Manager - Airport Marketing and Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the Director to plan, coordinate, and manage all marketing, advertising (including advertising in the Terminal), social media, website management, public relations, customer experience, and business development programs for Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), and some media relations duties for the City of Abilene, as needed.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position has no direct reports, but may oversee interns as assigned.  The position will exercise supervision over multiple Marketing and Development/improvement programs and projects, and coordinate related activities with contractors, other agencies/entities and individuals that will carry out those programs.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Build upon the Fly Abilene program and develop additional strategies for promoting air service and capturing passenger "leakage" within this region.  Perform surveys, compile statistics, work with consultants to quantify an air service market and Development strategy for improving air service frequency, equipment and destinations.  Cultivate relationships with airline management to advocate for service additions and modifications beneficial to ABI's air service, other airport development and the community.  Facilitate routine meetings with travel agents and influencers to promote the use of ABI over other airports, and collect feedback to present to airlines. 

Oversee strategy and placement of advertising around the market area.  Oversee selling/trade of terminal advertising.  These include working with consultants for each category.

Promote corporate, military and general aviation activity in conjunction with tenants and other entities, including the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and Big Country AirFest.  Programs may include, but are not limited to, building relationships with and visiting military units to promote military operations at ABI, participation in business aviation trade shows, participation in promotional events sponsored by the FBO, and visiting with corporate and general aviation tenants to enhance satisfaction and receive feedback.

Work with local colleges and universities who offer aviation curriculum to promote new programs that will fulfill specific needs of tenants and operators, and are beneficial to the economic development of the community and this region.  Help build relationships between educational organizations, tenants and special events to promote aviation activity in a collaborative environment.

Help plan and promote special events on or related to the airport.  Work with others to build a strong bond between the airport and the community.

Work with existing and prospective industrial aviation / aircraft maintenance tenants to expand their presence in Abilene and develop complementary relationships with businesses. Gather feedback and input that can be used to facilitate growth and economic activity.

Advocate growth of air cargo, future-technology and start-up companies to build new business lines and complimentary business activities.  Participate in airport land use development to maximize use of facilities to enhance the ability of current and future tenants to grow.

Reach out to surrounding communities within this region and promote the merits of Abilene Regional Airport through interaction with Chambers of Commerce, economic development professionals, civic groups, community leadership and regional businesses.

Organize airport tours and develop a public relations program for the airport.  Develop a public outreach program to build consumer confidence and public awareness.

Work in close coordination with Develop Abilene to assist with planning, recruitment and Development of airport and related property for aeronautical and non-aeronautical use.

Assist Develop Abilene and the City in the potential acquisition and Development of a Free Trade Zone or other designated economic activity area involving the Airport.

Prepare applications for and manage related budgets and programs for grants, Development Corporation of Abilene funding and other funding sources.

Travel to out of town meetings and conferences.

A valid Texas Driver License is required to operate City vehicles to locations on the airport, in city limits and outside city limits.

OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 

Airport characteristics and the role an airport plays within a community.

Marketing, social media, advertising (buying and selling), and economic development principles utilized within the industry.

Sales tactics and customer protocol utilized by business development professionals within the industry.

Air service development practices.

Commercial real estate development.

Skill to:

Operate office equipment to include computer.  Competently use Word, Excel, Google Suite and PowerPoint, WordPress and other website management software.

Cope with situations courteously, tactfully, and with respect to others.

Understand and follow written and oral instructions, department policies, rules, regulations, and laws.

Maintain and prepare accurate records and reports.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

High competency in social media and advertising methods.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ability to:

Conduct oneself professionally.

Be available after normal business hours to respond to irregular operations and emergency situations.

Be able to travel out of town for multiple days at a time for meetings and conferences.

Manage multiple projects at a time.

Pass a Federal Criminal History Background Check to receive an Airport Security Badge.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the

Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.              

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.  Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Experience:

Business development and marketing experience at an airport or within the aviation industry is highly desirable.  Any experience in sales or marketing, air service development, or economic/industrial development will be considered as applicable.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or equivalent combination of education and work experience is preferred.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Special Requirements:

Considered Essential Personnel in the event of City Offices closure and reports to work as assigned by the Director.

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___     Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds

X     Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___     Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___     Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

I      Standing

M    Sitting

_M      Walking

I      Lifting

I      Carrying

I      Pushing/Pulling

A     Overhead Work

M    Fine Dexterity

A     Kneeling

A     Crouching

A     Crawling

I      Bending

I      Twisting

A     Climbing

I      Balancing

E     Vision

E     Hearing

E     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________