The role includes a structured deputy and transitionary onboarding period, during which the Director works closely with senior leadership to gain full knowledge of financial systems, capital programs, and regulatory requirements while gradually assuming executive decision-making authority. The position collaborates closely with department leaders to align financial planning, capital investment, and risk management with the Authority’s operational and strategic goals.

Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.

Professional Experience
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector financial management, airport administration, or a comparable governmental or enterprise environment, with demonstrated responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Public Finance & Regulatory Knowledge
Strong working knowledge of public-sector finance, accounting principles (GAAP/GASB), grant administration, procurement, and compliance requirements applicable to airports or similar public entities, including familiarity with FAA-funded programs.

Analytical & Strategic Skills
Demonstrated ability to analyze financial and operational data, evaluate performance, develop sound recommendations, and support policy, program, and investment decisions.

Communication Skills
Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial and administrative information through written reports, presentations, and oral communication to executive leadership, governing boards, auditors, and external stakeholders.

Leadership & Initiative
Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, professional judgment, and accountability while operating within a collaborative executive leadership structure.

Public Presentation & Stakeholder Engagement
Experience presenting to boards, public officials, community groups, and professional audiences in a clear, confident, and professional manner.

Technology Proficiency
Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems and enterprise software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and related financial and administrative systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Professional Credentials
CPA, MBA, or other advanced professional certification in accounting, finance, public administration, or business administration preferred.

Aviation Industry Credentials
AAAE Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation preferred.

Airport / Public Infrastructure Experience
Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in airport administration, aviation-related finance, or public infrastructure finance, preferably within a commercial service airport environment.

Grants & Capital Program Experience
Demonstrated experience administering federal and state grant programs and supporting capital improvement planning, project budgeting, and financial compliance.

About Salina Airport Authority

SALINA AIRPORT AUTHORITY The Salina Airport Authority (SAA) is a body corporate and politic. The Authority was created by the City of Salina in April 1965 (Sec. 4-16, Salina City Code) pursuant to the authority granted to the City by the Surplus Property and Public Airport Authority Act of the State of Kansas (KSA 27-315 et seq.) The Authority was created for the purpose of accepting as surplus property portions of the former Schilling A.F.B., which was closed by the United States Department of Defense in June 1965. By quitclaim deed the Authority received over 2,900 acres of land and numerous buildings for the purpose of operating and developing the Salina Regional Airport and the Salina Airport Industrial Center. The Authority is managed and controlled by a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the Salina City Commission. The Board appoints the Executive Director, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. The Executive Director hires the remaining employees of the Authority. The Executive Director and his staff of employees manage and operate the Salina Regional Airport and the Salina Airport Industrial Center. The Salina Regional Airport is the only commer...cial service airport serving Salina/Saline County and the 22-county area comprising North Central Kansas. One regional airline serves the Salina Airport. United Airlines operated by SkyWest Airlines has multiple weekday and weekend flights to Denver International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport and George Bush International. Total air carrier passenger enplanements exceed 36,000 passengers per year. With one of the longest primary runways (12,300’) in the country, SLN services a wide variety of the corporate, business, private aviation, military, and flight training needs of industry, business, and individuals in the area. The Airport is also used by the Aeronautical Technology Department at Kansas State University Salina campus. The campus of K-State is located adjacent to the airport. The Airport’s world-class FBO, Avflight Salina, annually delivers aviation fuel to thousands of business jets and military aircraft. Annual air traffic approaches 75,000 operations. SLN is widely known as America’s Fuel Stop and as the Home of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. The Salina Airport Industrial Center is home for over one hundred thirty businesses and organizations. Seventy eight of the businesses and organization are tenants of the Authority. One of the primary functions of the Authority is to facilitate the continued growth of jobs and payroll at the Airport Industrial Center. The Authority works in partnership with the City of Salina, Saline County, Salina Community Economic Development Organization, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Commerce for the retention of existing business and industry and the recruitment of new business and industry.

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Salina Airport Authority