Director, Airport Planning
Apply NowCompany: Metropolitan Airports Commission
Location: Minneapolis, MN 55407
Description:
Salary: $152,884.00 - $211,027.00 Annually
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Regular Status
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01355
Division: Planning, Development & Environment
Department: Planning & Development
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/9/2025 3:00 PM Central
MN Data Practices: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) collects information from applicants for the purposes of determining employment suitability. By providing information, MAC will use the information to determine employment suitability. Applicants are not legally required to provide the requested information. However, information not provided, other than race, gender, or disability, may prevent MAC from being able to consider the application or determine the applicant's suitability for the position. The information collected may be classified as public or private data under the MGDPA. "Public" means that data is available upon request. "Private" means the data is only available to the person the information is about, and to those who must see it in the course of conducting MAC business and as otherwise provided for by law. If the applicant becomes a MAC employee, then some of the collected information is required to be shared with a representative union.
Position Summary
The Director of Airport Planning will, under direction from the Vice President, Planning and Development, initiate, lead, coordinate, and develop and maintain an airport planning vision for the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Reliever Airports. The position is responsible for providing oversight of all planning and coordination of long-term plans/master plans and airport layout plans, directing other MAC planning staff members, guiding/communicating the planning work with other MAC departments, airport tenants and with other governmental jurisdictions, serving as the liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration, MnDOT Aeronautics, and the Metropolitan Council. Other responsibilities will include oversight of staff who may be managing airport zoning and variance processes, and environmental review processes for facility development. The Director of Planning will coordinate closely with Airport Development Directors to ensure the planning vision aligns with near term development plans and work closely with the Director of Airport Development (Project Initiation) to ensure all CIP elements are evaluated for planning consistency. This individual will direct both MAC planning staff and consultants in the preparation of planning documents and conceptual cost estimates and identify priorities and timing for project placement in the capital improvement program. With input from other MAC planning staff, this position will work closely with all Division staff and provide recommendations to the Vice President with budgeting and project programming for the Planning business unit. The successful candidate will have vision to continuously improve the MAC planning process and implement changes that provide efficiencies and enhanced coordination.
To apply: Click the "Apply" link located above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided.
Questions regarding this position can be directed to or 612.726.8166.
Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or .
MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability.
Position Description
Project Administration
Cross-Departmental/Divisional
Divisional
Position Requirements
Manager of Managers (MOM) Competencies
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Other Information
This position provides an opportunity for on-site and remote work. MAC's remote work policy requires employees to be on-site three days of the week. Among the three on-site days, one of them must be either a Monday or a Friday and on Tuesdays, all employees are required to be onsite.
Your health. Your time. Your future. Good pay is only the beginning.
See the many and generous the Metropolitan Airports Commission offers to employees.
01
I became aware of this opportunity through:
02
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after serving two months of the probationary period. MAC's hybrid work schedule includes two days remote and three days onsite. One of the onsite days must be a Monday or Friday and all employees are required to be onsite on Tuesdays. I am aware of this policy and remain interested in this position.
03
Please choose the option below that best describes your education and experience.
04
Please describe your airport planning experience for both large-hub and general aviation airports including comprehensive plans as well as Airport Layout Plans (ALPs). If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
05
Do you have experience in project management establishing plans, setting priorities, coordinating activities, delegating tasks, and managing resources?
06
Please describe your project management experience. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
07
Do you have experience with supervising/mentoring staff and consultant teams?
08
Please describe your experience with supervising/mentoring staff and consultant teams. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
09
Do you have experience with reviewing and developing approvable FAA forecast documents?
10
Please describe your experience with reviewing and developing approvable FAA forecast documents. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
11
Do you have experience working with community development, zoning ordinances and boards?
12
Please describe your experience working with community development, zoning ordinances and boards. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
13
Do you have an intermediate skill using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel?
14
Do you have experience with AutoCAD, GIS, SIMMOD, Path Planner or similar programs; and possess an understanding of the appropriate level of graphic support needed to convey ideas, alternatives, and general information to the public?
15
Please describe your experience with AutoCAD, GIS, SIMMOD, Path Planner or similar programs; and possess an understanding of the appropriate level of graphic support needed to convey ideas, alternatives, and general information to the public. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
16
Do you have experience with effective presentations to large groups?
17
Do you have a valid state issued driver's license and reliable vehicle to commute between job sites?
18
Do you have a Master's degree in Aviation Planning, Airport Planning and Management, Urban, Regional or City?
19
Do you have familiarity with aviation databases, including FAA Aviation Systems Performance Measures, FAA's Official Airline Guide, Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring Systems, and other federal/state database systems?
20
Please describe your familiarity with aviation databases, including FAA Aviation Systems Performance Measures, FAA's Official Airline Guide, Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring Systems, and other federal/state database systems. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
21
Do you have pilot/air traffic movement experience for hub and general aviation airports?
22
Please describe your pilot/air traffic movement experience for hub and general aviation airports. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
23
Do you have a private Pilot's license?
24
Do you have experience with airport funding and revenue streams?
25
Do you have experience with sustainable building practices?
26
Do you have knowledge of annual capital improvement programming?
27
Do you have knowledge of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security regulations and guidelines?
28
Do you have experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications?
29
Please describe your experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
Required Question
Location : Minneapolis, MN
Job Type: Regular Status
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-01355
Division: Planning, Development & Environment
Department: Planning & Development
Opening Date: 04/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/9/2025 3:00 PM Central
MN Data Practices: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) collects information from applicants for the purposes of determining employment suitability. By providing information, MAC will use the information to determine employment suitability. Applicants are not legally required to provide the requested information. However, information not provided, other than race, gender, or disability, may prevent MAC from being able to consider the application or determine the applicant's suitability for the position. The information collected may be classified as public or private data under the MGDPA. "Public" means that data is available upon request. "Private" means the data is only available to the person the information is about, and to those who must see it in the course of conducting MAC business and as otherwise provided for by law. If the applicant becomes a MAC employee, then some of the collected information is required to be shared with a representative union.
Position Summary
The Director of Airport Planning will, under direction from the Vice President, Planning and Development, initiate, lead, coordinate, and develop and maintain an airport planning vision for the Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Reliever Airports. The position is responsible for providing oversight of all planning and coordination of long-term plans/master plans and airport layout plans, directing other MAC planning staff members, guiding/communicating the planning work with other MAC departments, airport tenants and with other governmental jurisdictions, serving as the liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration, MnDOT Aeronautics, and the Metropolitan Council. Other responsibilities will include oversight of staff who may be managing airport zoning and variance processes, and environmental review processes for facility development. The Director of Planning will coordinate closely with Airport Development Directors to ensure the planning vision aligns with near term development plans and work closely with the Director of Airport Development (Project Initiation) to ensure all CIP elements are evaluated for planning consistency. This individual will direct both MAC planning staff and consultants in the preparation of planning documents and conceptual cost estimates and identify priorities and timing for project placement in the capital improvement program. With input from other MAC planning staff, this position will work closely with all Division staff and provide recommendations to the Vice President with budgeting and project programming for the Planning business unit. The successful candidate will have vision to continuously improve the MAC planning process and implement changes that provide efficiencies and enhanced coordination.
To apply: Click the "Apply" link located above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided.
Questions regarding this position can be directed to or 612.726.8166.
Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. MAC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If an accommodation is required for you to participate in the application process because of a disability, please contact Tekia Jefferson at 612-726-8196 or .
MAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, nationality, or disability.
Position Description
Project Administration
- Establishes and maintains MAC vision for all planning efforts and provides direction to planning staff to provide consistent work products and services for all seven of the MAC airports.
- Integrate MAC's mission, vision, values and strategic goals into all areas of responsibility.
- Responsible for the growth and development of other planning staff members and ensuring all planning products created by other planners meet MAC organizational goals and objectives.
- Oversight and responsibility for approving airport planning projects and documents, project scopes, project budgets and project schedules, including airport zoning processes.
- Oversight and responsibility for airport planning consultants, consultant contracts, assigning work to planning staff, approving project scopes and fees, and reviewing/approving consultant invoices.
- Direct oversight of long-term plans/master plans and airport layout plans and all other planning documents; ensure other planning staff members are managing these projects according to the MAC planning vision.
- Direct and manage state airport safety zoning and variance processes.
- Direct environmental review processes/projects managed by other planning staff for facility development.
- Direct the execution of presentation content development and hold project team meetings with stakeholders, MAC staff, airlines airport tenants and consultants to review projects and keep them updated and informed as projects move through schedules and phases.
- Serve as the MAC primary liaison with appropriate regulatory agencies, cities, counties, and the state in compliance with FAA/MnDOT criteria, rules and standards.
- Demonstrate creativity, foresight and mature judgment in anticipating and solving unpredictable problems.
- Remain current on trends in airport construction and the aviation industry.
Cross-Departmental/Divisional
- Coordinate with Airport Development staff to develop a vision for MAC planning documents, provide input and coordinate both short and long-term goals for development.
- Collaborate closely with the Reliever Airport Department staff to coordinate projects and timing, ensuring both short and long-term goals and needs are addressed in planning documents.
- Coordinate with the Director of Stakeholder Engagement for public outreach strategies, processes and meetings; notices; project newsletters; and presentation materials.
- Work closely with the Revenue and Business Development Department to review goals and opportunities for non-aeronautical development at MSP and at the Relievers.
- Engage the Airport Development Directors to consider facility changes from existing planning documents and plans.
- Work with the day-to-day terminal operations staff for data collection and collaboration, strategies for both short- and long-term management of passenger flows, sharing of airport plan forecasts and passenger modeling.
- Act as a planning resource for other MAC departments and airport tenants to ensure the planning vision continues to be implemented.
Divisional
- Participate as a member of the Planning and Development management leadership team.
- Participate in the development of the annual capital improvements program to ensure short and long-term planning priorities are addressed.
- Prepare and manage annual Planning operational budget.
- Participate in the Division's implementation of relevant elements of the MAC Sustainable Management Plan.
- Understand and review updates to FAA, Metropolitan Council and MnDOT documents related to regional planning, Advisory Circulars, zoning ordinances, local building and zoning codes and compatibility guidelines.
- Review and provide guidance to the Department of updates to federal, state and regional (Metropolitan Council) rules and regulations pertaining to airport management, aviation planning principles and standards, and Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139 certified airports.
- Review and provide comment for the annual draft Terminal Area Forecasts prepared by the FAA.
- Provide effective credible representation of the division's activities to the public, airport users, airport tenants, consultants, and when necessary, the committee structure of the Commission.
- Conduct reviews of local city, county, and township comprehensive plan updates and coordinate MAC participation and responses when required.
- Participate in regional planning processes as a MAC representative, when required.
- Incorporate the goals, objectives and operating philosophy of the Commission into the management of daily activities.
- Facilitate the selection of consultants for planning work in accordance with the Commission's Consultants' Selection and Use Policy, including preparation and/or review of requests for qualification statements from interested consulting firms, participate in the review of qualification statements and interviews, and make recommendations to the Vice President - Planning and Development.
- Lead and coordinate the airport planning continuing consultant annual performance reviews.
- Facilitate effective working relationships among division employees, and between the Planning Business Unit and other MAC departments, consultants and other agencies.
- Collaborate with the Airport Development Department and the Air Service Department on gate plots and simulations for aircraft movements and passenger flows for MSP.
Position Requirements
Manager of Managers (MOM) Competencies
- Customer Focus - Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
- Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies
- Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
- Ensures Accountability - Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
- Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
- Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
- Values Differences - Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
- Builds Effective Teams - Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
- Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
- Drives Engagement - Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
- Organizational Savvy - Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Planning, Airport, Urban, Environmental, Regional or City Planning, Engineering, Architecture or a related field.
- Ten years of airport planning experience for both large-hub and general aviation airports including comprehensive plans as well as Airport Layout Plans (ALPs).
- In lieu of a degree, fourteen years of airport planning experience
- Experience in project management establishing plans, setting priorities, coordinating activities, delegating tasks, and managing resources.
- Experience with supervising/mentoring staff and consultant teams.
- Experience with reviewing and developing approvable FAA forecast documents.
- Experience working with community development, zoning ordinances and boards.
- Intermediate skill using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Experience with AutoCAD, GIS, SIMMOD, Path Planner or similar programs; and possess an understanding of the appropriate level of graphic support needed to convey ideas, alternatives, and general information to the public.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills including experience with effective presentations to large groups.
- Valid state driver's license and reliable vehicle to commute between job sites.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Master's degree in Aviation Planning, Airport Planning and Management, Urban, Regional or City
- Familiarity with aviation databases, including FAA Aviation Systems Performance Measures, FAA's Official Airline Guide, Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring Systems, and other federal/state database systems.
- Pilot/air traffic movement experience for hub and general aviation airports.
- Private Pilot's License
- Experience with airport funding and revenue streams.
- Experience with sustainable building practices.
- Knowledge of annual capital improvement programming.
- Knowledge of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security regulations and guidelines.
- Experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications.
Other Information
This position provides an opportunity for on-site and remote work. MAC's remote work policy requires employees to be on-site three days of the week. Among the three on-site days, one of them must be either a Monday or a Friday and on Tuesdays, all employees are required to be onsite.
Your health. Your time. Your future. Good pay is only the beginning.
See the many and generous the Metropolitan Airports Commission offers to employees.
01
I became aware of this opportunity through:
- Job Interest Card Notification
- MAC Employee
- MAC Web Site
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Indeed.com
- Other
02
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after serving two months of the probationary period. MAC's hybrid work schedule includes two days remote and three days onsite. One of the onsite days must be a Monday or Friday and all employees are required to be onsite on Tuesdays. I am aware of this policy and remain interested in this position.
- Yes
- No
03
Please choose the option below that best describes your education and experience.
- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Planning, Airport, Urban, Environmental, Regional or City Planning, Engineering, Architecture or a related field and ten years of airport planning experience for both large-hub and general aviation airports including comprehensive plans as well as Airport Layout Plans (ALPs).
- In lieu of a degree, fourteen years of airport planning experience for both large-hub and general aviation airports including comprehensive plans as well as Airport Layout Plans (ALPs).
- N/A, none of the above.
04
Please describe your airport planning experience for both large-hub and general aviation airports including comprehensive plans as well as Airport Layout Plans (ALPs). If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
05
Do you have experience in project management establishing plans, setting priorities, coordinating activities, delegating tasks, and managing resources?
- Yes
- No
06
Please describe your project management experience. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
07
Do you have experience with supervising/mentoring staff and consultant teams?
- Yes
- No
08
Please describe your experience with supervising/mentoring staff and consultant teams. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
09
Do you have experience with reviewing and developing approvable FAA forecast documents?
- Yes
- No
10
Please describe your experience with reviewing and developing approvable FAA forecast documents. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
11
Do you have experience working with community development, zoning ordinances and boards?
- Yes
- No
12
Please describe your experience working with community development, zoning ordinances and boards. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
13
Do you have an intermediate skill using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel?
- Yes
- No
14
Do you have experience with AutoCAD, GIS, SIMMOD, Path Planner or similar programs; and possess an understanding of the appropriate level of graphic support needed to convey ideas, alternatives, and general information to the public?
- Yes
- No
15
Please describe your experience with AutoCAD, GIS, SIMMOD, Path Planner or similar programs; and possess an understanding of the appropriate level of graphic support needed to convey ideas, alternatives, and general information to the public. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
16
Do you have experience with effective presentations to large groups?
- Yes
- No
17
Do you have a valid state issued driver's license and reliable vehicle to commute between job sites?
- Yes
- No
18
Do you have a Master's degree in Aviation Planning, Airport Planning and Management, Urban, Regional or City?
- Yes
- No
19
Do you have familiarity with aviation databases, including FAA Aviation Systems Performance Measures, FAA's Official Airline Guide, Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring Systems, and other federal/state database systems?
- Yes
- No
20
Please describe your familiarity with aviation databases, including FAA Aviation Systems Performance Measures, FAA's Official Airline Guide, Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring Systems, and other federal/state database systems. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
21
Do you have pilot/air traffic movement experience for hub and general aviation airports?
- Yes
- No
22
Please describe your pilot/air traffic movement experience for hub and general aviation airports. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
23
Do you have a private Pilot's license?
- Yes
- No
24
Do you have experience with airport funding and revenue streams?
- Yes
- No
25
Do you have experience with sustainable building practices?
- Yes
- No
26
Do you have knowledge of annual capital improvement programming?
- Yes
- No
27
Do you have knowledge of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security regulations and guidelines?
- Yes
- No
28
Do you have experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications?
- Yes
- No
29
Please describe your experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
Required Question