Director, Airport Development - Project Delivery

Under the direction of the Vice President, Planning and Development, the Airport Development Director of Project Delivery is responsible for the execution of projects throughout the MAC system of airports. This position initiates, schedules, and implements a broad range of aviation related projects and programs outlined in the MAC Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The position is responsible for the administration of, and the cost/budgeting accountability for, Commission approved development projects at MSP and the Reliever Airports. This position coordinates work efforts closely with the Airport Development Director of Project Initiation and Grants Manager. This position works closely with the MAC Building Official and the Environmental Affairs Department for project execution and compliance. This position oversees the administration and management of construction contracts, consultant agreements, invoices. This position supervises Airport Development staff; prepares the annual department operating budget; presents reports and information as appropriate to the Commission; and works closely with the Vice President to set strategy and goals for the department.

To apply:  click the "Apply" link located just above the position description, log-in and follow the instructions provided.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Nicole Kiefer at or 612-726-8166.

Applications will be accepted until 3:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Attention Professional Recruitment Agencies:  The Metropolitan Airports Commission is interested in reviewing your qualified candidates. Please contact Nicole Kiefer, Assistant Director, Human Resources at or 612.726.8166 to learn about our terms and conditions.

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 .Departmental Management

• Oversee the development, review and approval of design drawings and specifications for MAC projects; coordinate activities of consultants engaged in design and construction efforts oversee the bid opening, review of bids and award recommendations; be responsible for the project management as construction progresses. 
• Responsible for project records and documentation; establish and maintain a reporting system to monitor and control project costs; review and approve consultant invoices and contractor payments. 
• Participate in project design reviews of architectural or civil engineering plans that are completed by airport tenants or airlines for tenant-owned build-outs; by MAC-hired consultants for MAC projects; or by other agencies that have potential impacts to MAC airports.
• Coordinate with the Building Official to ensure that construction issues or concerns are incorporated into the design decision making process. 
• Effectively communicate and coordinate with stakeholders to support the strategic and operational needs of the organization.
• Ensure Commission compliance with all state and federal prerequisites for financial grant funding; maximizing financial participation by state and federal agencies in the CIP; and monitoring/reviewing the state and federal agency regulations, laws, criteria, and policies to determine their effect on airport design and construction. 
• Collaborate with the Senior Airport Planner on the preparation of environmental assessments, environmental assessment worksheets, environmental impact statements and the annual assessment of environmental effects to provide project information and timelines as necessary. 
• Coordinate with Environmental Affairs on project compliance and environmental permitting, construction monitoring for hazardous or impacted materials, and disposal or reuse of construction debris. 
• Provide effective, credible representation of the department’s activities to the general public, airport users, airport tenants, consultants, contractors, and the Commission. 
• Oversee the selection of consultants for Airport Development work in accordance with the Commission’s Consultant Selection and Use Policy. 
• Participate, as necessary, in the Airport Development continuing consultant annual performance reviews. 
• Prepare staff reports and project specific memoranda for the MAC Committee/Commission agenda packets. 
• Prepare and oversee the department operating budget; and review/approve department operating budget expenditures.
• Participate and respond as required to emergencies and the Commission’s emergency operations center. 
• Perform duties in a manner that supports MAC's commitment to the community and the environment.
• Direct oversight and responsibility for delivering airport development CIP projects: project teams, clients, scopes, budgets and schedules.  Ensure all projects are appropriately staffed and are run within budget.
• Direct and review, individually or through staff, preparation of plans and specifications for CIP projects to ensure compliance with MAC Design and Construction Standards, public safety and sound engineering and construction practices. 
• Assist, as necessary, in dispute resolutions between MAC and contractors. 
• Maintain an understanding of the status of all active project for MSP and Reliever and report regularly to Vice President of Planning and Development.
• Remain current on trends in airport construction and the aviation industry.

• Supervise and direct the operations and activities of the department; establish department goals in accordance with the department's mission, the MAC Human Resource Policy and the MAC Administration Manual.
• Create and maintain a rewarding and productive work environment; and provide opportunities for employee growth and development.  
• Integrate MAC’s purpose, values, focus areas, and strategic goals into area of responsibility and management of daily activities.  
• Collaborate with Human Resources to interview and hire appropriate staff for new or vacant positions.
• Conduct regularly scheduled meetings with staff to communicate organizational goals, issues, and information to employees; discuss work activities, individual goals and gather employee feedback.
• Communicate clear performance expectations and standards to direct report employees, provide timely and regular feedback, conduct annual performance reviews, and recognize employee achievement.  
• Facilitate effective working relationships among department employees, and between Airport Development and other MAC departments, consultants and other agencies.
• Hear and address employee issues/concerns; administer disciplinary action, as appropriate. 
• Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure current and future effective staff utilization through hiring, promoting, transferring and discharging employees.
• Proactively support a safe working environment.

• 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

• Bachelor of Architecture Professional Degree or bachelor’s degree in engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.  
• Minnesota registered/licensed architect or a Minnesota professional engineer or the ability to become registered/licensed within 90 days of contingent offer. 
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in the design and management of construction projects, including pavements, roadway design standards, utilities/infrastructure and/or building facilities. 
• Experience developing annual capital improvement projects and programming.
• Complex project planning and construction experience with large, complicated buildings or with multi-building campuses. 
• Experience managing and supervising direct reports which included responsibility for hiring, disciplining, coaching, rewarding and terminating employees.
• Experience managing and directing consultants and/or contractors
• Knowledge of state and federal funding programs, criteria and standards.
• In-depth knowledge of construction management practices.
• Ability to make independent decisions and expedite projects to completion.
• Proven history of effective interpersonal communication, collaboration and listening skills to work with a variety of leaders, managers, employees and work groups inside and outside of MAC
• Strong writing skills for composing memos, policies, procedures, proposals, reports, and other specifications
• Clear, concise, thorough and persuasive presentation skills
• Experience setting, overseeing and implementing budgets.
• Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with project management software, AutoCAD, Revit and Creative Suite.
• Valid state driver’s license and reliable transportation to commute between job sites.

• Related project experience at a medium or large hub airport.
• Demonstrated knowledge of concessions programs or concession construction build outs/improvements such as retail venues, malls, airports, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical, electrical, fire protection systems/disciplines for buildings, structures, and terminal buildings
• Knowledge of building codes, including state and local regulations and codes affecting construction, health, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility; structural principles and practices, public safety, and sound engineering and construction practices.
• Experience with sustainable building practices.
• Experience using project management software
• Experience with long-term comprehensive planning and environmental document processes and preparation
• Demonstrated experience with Information Systems (IS) and Information Technologies (IT) integration into facilities projects
• Experience with PFC applications, including eligibility and project justifications
• Experience with airport funding and revenue streams
• Knowledge of state and federal funding programs, criteria and standards
• Experience with FAA Part 150 Sound Insulation programs
• Demonstrated knowledge of airport security and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations
• Familiarity with the National Incident Management System and emergency preparedness/response training