Deputy Director of Air Service, Marketing & Commercial Development

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Deputy Director of Air Service, Marketing & Commercial Development serves under the general and administrative direction of the Director of Aviation and manages, supervises, and coordinates air service operations, marketing, and business development for Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). The role involves strategic planning, marketing, brand building, business development, regulatory compliance, community outreach, industry relations, and budget oversight.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Establish and implement integrated airport strategic plan for business development including air service operations, concessions, general aviation, air cargo, real estate, non‑aviation, commercial and industrial business development opportunities, and land planning for airport future growth.

Develop, coordinate, and implement marketing and public relations programs designed to identify and capitalize on current and new business relations and opportunities to maximize service, utilization, and revenue.

Develop and execute comprehensive brand strategies that align with city and airport objectives, enhancing the PSP brand and market positioning.

Manage the air service incentive policy and monitor regulatory compliance related to commercial air service.

Establish and oversee processes for marketing, completing, and awarding airline incentive programs and business development opportunities, including preparation of requests for proposals.

Develop and implement short‑ and long‑term strategies to maximize non‑aviation revenues, including advertising, sponsorships, and terminal commercial opportunities.

Develop and monitor annual advertising sales revenue goals for the customer experience and advertising functions.

Analyze non‑aviation revenue sales trends, customer service data, and shortfall reports to identify revenue improvement opportunities and optimize services, concessions, and advertising performance.

Develop and coordinate community outreach plans, programs, and special events; foster community engagement with aviation businesses, community organizations, tenants, customers, and local tourism partners.

Coordinate the negotiation of new business opportunities with current and prospective tenants of the airport including terms and conditions, development plans, investment, and financing.

Seek and nurture cooperative marketing and public relations relationships with partner organizations, airlines, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and tourism organizations.

Perform and coordinate ongoing market analysis to support the expansion and retention of air service; identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the existing and potential route network.

Communicate relevant and timely market data to airline network planners to support their decision‑making; act as liaison between airline representatives, the Airport Executive Team, and the tourism organization.

Create tailored marketing presentations to retain and build air service through data and economic support information.

Represent the airport at networking and business events and airport industry trade shows; initiate and maintain strong and productive client relationships, management strategies, and tactics to ensure opportunities for continued growth are maintained.

Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; train staff; review recommendations and actions of staff and resolve Department issues and concerns.

Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; make recommendations on staffing levels and process improvements.

Assist in the development and coordination of the Department budget; approve, track, and monitor expenditures required.

Oversee customer experience program; provide support and direction for all guest services programs and functions, including volunteer programs, passenger amenities, and terminal wayfinding initiatives, and ensure continuous improvement in service delivery.

Direct the marketing and public relations division on the development of campaigns and programming to enhance the overall passenger and visitor experience.

Serve as the primary airport spokesperson and Public Information Officer for all news media inquiries; develop and train staff for backup spokesperson responsibilities; schedule and coordinate press conferences, public announcements, and community presentations as needed.

Develop and manage a system for handling news media inquiries and responses, ensuring timely and effective distribution of news releases, while also responding to and resolving internal and external concerns, questions, and public information requests with professionalism and efficiency.

Maintain and update the Crisis Communication Plan and train staff appropriately.

Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepare and create proposals, make presentations, prepare and present staff reports, and other necessary written and oral correspondence.

Ensure, monitor, and implement compliance with all Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and other compliance programs.

Participate in citywide programs and initiatives as assigned; meet with City staff and provide guidance on assigned programs; serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of marketing, communications, and air service development.

Provide responsible technical administrative assistance to the Director of Aviation as required.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as required.

EXPERIENCE

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible aviation experience, of which three (3) years in the last ten (10) years are directly related to air service development, airport business development, or airport marketing and communications.

TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in airport operations, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Master’s degree in airport operations, business administration, public administration, or a related field is desirable.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record.

Possession of an Airport Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge approved through the Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Certified Member (C.M.) or Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) – American Association of Airport Executives or International Airport Professional (I.A.) through Airports Council International preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Office and airport field environment with exposure to computers and other office equipment; travel from site to site; may have exposure to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, gases, inclement weather conditions; may be exposed to emergency situations.

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods; light and moderate lifting, pulling, pushing, kneeling, bending; communicate in person and by telephone; operate standard computer.

EEO STATEMENT
The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and encourages all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

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