Deputy Director of Airport Development

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Transit

Job Classification Title

Engineering Manager I (NS)

Position Number

60015609

Grade

NC24

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation, a recognized leader in air mobility innovation, promotes the economic well-being of North Carolina by developing a safe and robust air transportation system. As the state’s aviation authority, the division manages state and federal airport infrastructure development grant projects, in collaboration with local government owners of the state’s 72 public airports, the integration of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems for business and government use, airport professional development, aviation workforce development and flight services for state agencies.  

This position, Deputy Director Development, is responsible for supervising, managing, and coordinating all activities of the Aviation Development Section for the Division of Aviation which manages state and federal grant-funded programs and provides technical assistance to develop and maintain infrastructure at the state’s 72 public use airports.

In this role, you will:

•Lead and manage statewide airport development programs funded through state and federal grants, ensuring compliance with FAA and state regulations.
•Direct and mentor a team of Airport Project Managers, a Support Team (Programming, Environmental, and Planning), and a Staff Engineer; provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
•Promote a high standard of customer service, responding to inquiries from the public, sponsors, and media regarding aviation projects and programs in a timely fashion.
•Ensure timely, efficient and effective implementation of aviation policies and procedures across all programs and staff operations.
•Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA Airports Division, coordinating project eligibility, justification, and engineering reviews.
•Develop, implement, and oversee aviation guidelines in coordination with NCDOT, the FAA, and local governments.
•Review and approve airport project proposals, evaluating funding eligibility, compliance, and project justification.
•Prepare and deliver presentations to the Board of Transportation, local officials, and other key stakeholders on aviation matters, safety, and funding programs.
•Produce administrative and technical written guidance and standard operating procedures for complex engineering projects, applying knowledge of federal and state standards.
•Administer personnel functions such as hiring, promotions, performance management, and training for the Aviation Development Section.
•Provide oversight of external contracts, ensuring scopes, fees, and consultant selections meet state procurement standards.
•Assist in strategic and long-range planning efforts for the Aviation Division, establishing benchmarks and monitoring progress toward goals.
•Represent the Division in meetings with local, state, and federal agencies, consulting firms, elected officials, and aviation stakeholders.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

•Flexible Work Options: Enjoy the ability to telework one day per week, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
•Meaningful Impact: Play a key role in shaping the future of North Carolina’s aviation infrastructure and transportation system.
•Professional Growth: Lead a talented, mission-driven team with opportunities to mentor, innovate, and make statewide contributions.
•Collaborative Environment: Work closely with state and federal partners, local governments, and aviation industry professionals.

Applicants that possess the following are encouraged to apply:

•Ability to consult and use applicable FAA Advisory Circulars, as well as applicable federal, state and local policy and procedures, can establish and maintain effective working relationships with consultants, public officials and other employees, have excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task and adjust priorities often, and experience supervising permanent employees, contractors, consultants.
•Experience in writing and presenting technical reports and information is helpful.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC24 – $87,740 – $171,095

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Considerable knowledge of engineering and project management principles and practices related to aviation, planning, transportation, construction, and civil infrastructure development, including fiscal management and regulatory compliance. 
• ​Demonstrated ability to review, evaluate, and approve complex infrastructure and airport development projects to ensure compliance with federal and state standards, funding requirements, and organizational policies, while providing sound technical and administrative guidance to project teams. 
• ​Demonstrated ability to communicate, lead and direct implementation of new policies, procedures and protocols, and effectively coordinate with local, state, and federal partners.  
• ​Experience managing budgets, contracts, and consultant services for engineering and infrastructure projects of varying scope and complexity 
• ​Experience in writing standard operating procedures, technical guidance, and creating efficient workflows with dashboards and clear expectations of timeliness.  

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and a minimum of six years progressive engineering experience including four years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Qualifications May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Phagan Joe Hudson

Email:

[email protected]