Job Description

Program Manager Aviation Projects

The Program Manager Airport Capital Programs is responsible for strategic oversight, executive advisory, and operational leadership across major airport development initiatives. This role serves as a key advisor to client executive teams, ensuring alignment with strategic plans, master planning efforts, and capital improvement goals. The Program Manager will lead program-wide initiatives including planning, reporting, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and risk mitigation for complex airport modernization and infrastructure programs.

This role focuses on delivering high-level program strategy, technical advisory services, and structured oversight for a comprehensive airport capital improvement effort. Key responsibilities include embedding within executive teams to provide expert input on organizational structure, project delivery strategies, and revenue development opportunities. The Program Manager will help implement operational controls, manage program-wide performance metrics, and support the creation of processes for procurement, contract compliance, and ORAT execution. The position also involves facilitating coordination among regulatory agencies, contractors, and other stakeholders, while ensuring all project elements align with broader schedule, funding, and reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep background in aviation program delivery, stakeholder management, and capital project oversight. This includes experience advising municipal or state leadership, driving organizational change, and implementing best-in-class program management strategies to deliver results across multiple project elements.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate program-wide strategies aligned with the airport's Master Plan and long-term strategic vision.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive capital program plan, including project delivery strategies, executive governance models, and success criteria.
• Embed with executive leadership teams to provide advisory services on modernization, expansion, and infrastructure planning.
• Identify revenue-generating opportunities and support development of project funding strategies.
• Assist with legislative briefings, public updates, and leadership presentations.
• Support the implementation of Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transfer (ORAT) planning and execution.
• Assess organizational structures, staffing needs, compensation structures, and performance benchmarks as the airport evolves.
• Advise on the formation and optimization of the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) delivery team, including project delivery models.
• Support change management across major program elements, ensuring engagement with internal stakeholders and alignment with program goals.
• Provide program oversight by developing and implementing project performance metrics across cost, schedule, scope, document control, and procurement functions.
• Oversee development and management of master program schedules, identifying conflicts, delays, and risks while implementing corrective action plans.
• Generate near real-time reports and dashboards to support executive-level decision-making.
• Support plan and design reviews, procurement facilitation, and integration of preconstruction services.
• Ensure continuous improvement, quality assurance, and compliance with project goals and performance standards.
• Act as a liaison between executive leadership, regulatory bodies, airlines, design teams, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and public forums to align all program participants and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership in conflict resolution, issue management, and communication planning.
• Lead compliance efforts related to contract administration, invoice reviews, change orders, and documentation protocols.
• Ensure adherence to funding requirements and assist in developing financial programming strategies.
• Allocate and manage internal and external resources across program portfolios.
• Identify and mitigate program risks through structured risk management planning and contingency development.
• Maintain program documentation and ensure document control across systems.
• Support procurement efforts and vendor contract negotiations.
• Drive team building and personnel development efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, business administration, or a related field is required; a master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale capital programs, with a strong preference for 20+ years in airport development or aviation-related infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive-level teams and coordinating with municipal, state, and regulatory agencies.
• Proven track record of leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs from strategic planning through execution, with emphasis on capital improvement planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification is preferred.
• Proficient in Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Excel, with advanced skills in schedule development, critical path analysis, cost control, and financial forecasting.
• Strong background in performance metrics, risk management, reporting dashboards, and operational readiness (ORAT) programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to executive teams, public officials, and community stakeholders.
• Experience in contract negotiation, vendor management, compliance oversight, and program governance.
• Demonstrated leadership in team development, cross-functional coordination, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered in lieu of stated minimum qualifications.

$175,000 - $228,000 a year

The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $228,000. A hired employee will be placed within this salary range based on a variety of legitimate business reasons, including but not limited to the individual's scope of relevant experience and geographic location.

Physical: Standing or sitting for long periods; must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times and spend extended hours in front of a computer screen.

Cognitive: Problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills; computer and software skills; and ability to read and interpret text online or in printed form.

About PMA

At PMA, employee well-being is a daily priority. We offer a combination of workplace options that include a PMA office location; work-from-home; or a client site. Wherever we work, we openly share knowledge as we believe that collaboration with peers improves our work product and that pursuing subject matter expertise is a lifelong endeavor.

We are committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We affirm and respect diverse backgrounds and opinions because we believe they yield the best solutions for our clients. We promote emotional intelligence and trust by nurturing these values within our new hires.

We encourage staff to develop rewarding, long-term careers at PMA, and we implement formal leadership development programs that help you attain your goals. At PMA, shared success is a core value. Every employee who contributes is recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. We look for self-driven candidates eager to assume responsibility and join a community of respect founded on collaboration and accountability, not titles. If you aim to transform the project management practice toward continuous improvement of project outcomes, the profession, and yourself, PMA looks forward to warmly welcoming you to our team.

We offer competitive pay and benefits, wellness programs for you and your family, and career development opportunities to advance your professional goals.

As a PMA professional, you will be empowered to make timely and effective decisions and significant daily contributions to complex facets of project delivery. Join a team that has achieved a world-class reputation in the construction industry and has been voted a "Best Place to Work."

PMA offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription, dental, vision, time off with pay, 401(k) with company match, life, disability, and professional development reimbursement for qualifying employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), disability, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. Qualified female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

EOE, including persons with disabilities and veterans.

VEVRAA federal contractor.

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