Chief of Staff; COS

Overview

SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

JOB TITLE:
Chief of Staff (COS)

REPORTS TO: President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

DEPARTMENT: Administration

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Grade: E55

Closing Date:
Monday, 02/09/2026

Salary Range: $146,001- $210,000

Serves in a senior leadership role to support the President, Chief Executive Officer providing high level executive support, managing strategic initiatives, and serving as a key liaison with stakeholders and key partners. Oversees large, cross-functional projects from development to execution aligning teams, improving processes, and ensuring organizational goals are met.

Work is performed under the supervision of the President, Chief Executive Officer and requires independent judgment, discretion, initiative, and collaborative ability.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Acts as an operational extension of the President, Chief Executive Officer to drive long-term strategic initiatives and ensure Departmental goals align with the Airport’s broader mission.
• Leads and oversees major strategic projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, driving decisions, and tracking progress from development to completion.
• Manages diverse programs and initiatives, bringing stakeholders together, removing obstacles, and ensuring timely, effective execution.
• Serves as a strategic partner and liaison, preparing leaders for meetings, managing communications, and translating vision to action.
• Addresses critical issues, troubleshoots roadblocks, and resolves complex organizational challenges.
• Ensures that the President, Chief Executive Officer’s priorities are addressed promptly and adequately; ensures organizational activities align with the organizational vision.
• Manages the flow of information between the President, Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Leadership Team to streamline decision making.
• Tracks key metrics and organizational progress, often serving as a facilitator for Senior Leadership Team meetings and Board interactions.
• Consults frequently with the President, Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Leadership Team to identify issues affecting the airport. Works with staff to solve problems and find solutions, bridging gaps and facilitating collaboration across Departments.
• Cultivates strong relationships with airlines, federal agencies, local government, businesses, and the community.
• Acts as a bridge between Departments and key partners to align goals and resolve issues.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Personal Computer and other electronic devices.

Where "preferred" is indicated, the qualification is not essential.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management or related field.

Master’s degree in aviation management or other related field, preferred.

Seven (7) years’ experience in an airport management capacity of which at least three (3) years must be engaged in large scale program/project oversight.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) or Airports Council International (ACI), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of airport operations.
• Ability to navigate complex and dynamic environments with flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Exceptional project and program management.
• High emotional intelligence and stakeholder management.
• Understanding of airport-specific challenges, including regulatory compliance, safety standards, and stakeholder relationship.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, FAA rules and regulations and airport policies regarding airport operations, safety, and security,
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and data-driven decision- making skills.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, assign, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with fellow team members, executives, officials, employees, consultants, tenants, the public, and other key partners.