Planning & Development Deputy Airport Director
County of Orange Costa Mesa, California, United States
- Location: Costa Mesa, California, United States
- Categories: Administration and Management, Aviation or Harbor, Other, Planning and Development
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Nov 14, 2025
Job Description:
Planning & Development Deputy Airport Director
Description
CAREER DESCRIPTIONPLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPUTY AIRPORT DIRECTOR
(Business Services Deputy Director)
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill a current vacancy within John Wayne Airport and may be used to fill any future vacancies in other agencies throughout the County of Orange. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and or lower classifications.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately on both the ADK website and through the County of Orange's website.
The ADK Executive Search link will be provided below.
Please note - in order to be considered, all candidates must complete the County of Orange's application.
The deadline to apply for this position is Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:59PM PST.
To view the full recruitment brochure with ADK Executive Search, please click here !
JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT
Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 and 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.
As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.
- Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
- Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
- Core Values: REACH
- R espect
- E nvironmental Stewardship
- A ccountability
- C ollaboration
- H onesty
THE DIVISION
The newly reformed Planning and Development Division oversees and delivers the airport's $700 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which includes airside, landside, and terminal renovations, as well as major utility projects and long-term infrastructure planning. The Division is also a key partner in the implementation of the General Aviation Improvement Program and the Terminal Tenant Concession Redevelopment Program. This team has 28 professionals in a variety of roles. This Division’s functional areas include engineering, A/E design standards, land use and airport planning, environmental compliance, capital project programming, project management, project controls, and construction Coordination and Logistics Management (CALM).
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Deputy Airport Director of Planning and Development will serve as a strategic and hands-on leader for John Wayne Airport's newly restructured Planning and Development Division. Reporting to the Airport Director, this executive will oversee up to 28 indirect reports and the airport's $700 million CIP and manage transformative infrastructure initiatives. Projects include:
- Runway and Taxiway reconstruction
- Central Utility Plant and electrical distribution system Enhancements
- Vertical conveyance replacement
- Terminal Facility accessibility improvements
- Baggage handling system replacement
- Stormwater Treatment improvements
Key Responsibilities include:
- Oversee all areas within the division, including Engineering, Project Management, Construction Coordination and Logistics Management, Project Controls, Airport Project Programming, Land Use Planning/Airport Land Use Commission, and Environmental Compliance
- Establish goals and objectives for the Planning & Development Departments and ensuring resources are available to achieve goals, foster collaboration and a common vision across the various units of this division and the broad airport
- Lead, plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the performance of staff, establish development goals, observe performance and provide guidance and feedback, with a focus on creating and maintaining a high performance, service-oriented work environment
- Support staff development through incorporation of best practices, coaching, knowledge transfer, mentorship, and supporting formal training opportunities
- Lead strategic capital planning to prioritize projects and optimize funding opportunities
- Oversee the preparation, development, implementation, and evaluation of the CIP and the other programs/projects, including master plan updates, environmental planning, and other airport projects, to ensure airport safety, security, service reliability, and sustainability for current and future infrastructure needs
- Ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulation and procedures
- Ensure clearly defined Project Definition Documents, Design Standards, Project Controls, and policies are developed, evaluated, established, maintained, implemented and regularly updated
- Manage contract management activities and serving as a subject matter expert in all aspects of contract management to ensure the county/airport interests are represented
- In collaboration with procurement, oversee the prepare an evaluation of RFPs and bid specifications negotiating and managing contracts
- Interpret, recommend, and develop policies and procedures and resolving matters involving Federal obligations of airport sponsors related to development projects, including AIP Grants and PFC projects
- Advise leadership on project status, forecasting organizational needs, and demonstrating the merits and value of CVG projects to stakeholders
- Oversee planning, design, engineering, and construction management for capital projects
- Manage project budgets, contracts, and compliance with technical and legal requirements
- Ensure compliance with environmental and Land-use planning regulations
- Ensure appropriate staff support to the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC)
- Present clear and concise reports to leadership, committees and community groups
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure facility and system effectiveness, drive continuous improvements, and ensure accountability
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of seven (7) years of leading capital infrastructure management or business services experience, with a strong focus on project management, engineering, development, construction, or planning. This includes five (5) years in a supervisory capacity, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience within the aviation industry.
A bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, architecture, construction management, or a related field; Master's preferred.
The following certificates are preferred but not essential:
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
- Licensed Architect
In addition, the ideal candidate will have proven experience related to the following key competencies:
PROFESSIONAL | TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
- Current knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, policies, regulations, and issues pertaining to Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139, land use law, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- Ability to conduct complex professional/technical research and analysis for assigned projects
- Ability to evaluate the technical work product of staff, consultants and contractors across multiple disciplines
- Ability to manage the work of the other professional/technical staff/consultants related to aviation, Architecture/Engineering (A/E ) , Construction Management, Airport Land Use, and environmental issues
- Airport Capital Project funding and budgeting, FAA ACIP requirements, FAA Grant Assurance requirements
- Contract administration in Architect/Engineer (A/E), airport and other large scale, complex public works or environmental compliance projects and extensive knowledge of the governing building codes, public works contracting regulations, FAA Advisory circulars, etc.
- Knowledge of Capital Improvement program best practices, project controls and construction coordination
LEADERSHIP | SUPERVISORY SKILLS
- Ability to cast the strategic vision for the division while also providing direct hands-on management support and oversight to ensure productivity, accountability, and results
- Uses creativity and innovation in achieving business objectives by planning and developing airport projects to be safe, efficient, and effective
- Lead a multidisciplinary team to meet concurrent long-term and short-term objectives, foster collaboration across discipline and ensure accountability
- Builds effective working relationships inside and outside the organization in working with airport related Commissions Elected Officials, regulatory bodies, regional planning bodies, tenants, and contractors
- Promotes flexibility by planning for the effects of organizational change internally, and develops projects recognizing potential change in the airline industry and operational demands
- Exhibits the courage to take action by tackling difficult challenges relating Engineering, Capital Projects, Land Use, and environmental issues that may impact the airport
- Motivates team and collaborative partners performance for the purpose of achieving the airport goals
- Motivates staff to reach their highest performance potential by developing staff and assigning progressively more challenging tasks
- Values learning for staff and seeks out opportunities and skill development and mentorship
PLANNING | PROBLEM SOLVING
- Integrates changes smoothly to respond to input from stakeholders including the airlines and other tenants that operate at John Wayne Airport
- Assigns work to project team members, establishes expectations and monitors activities to ensure work is accomplished in a timely manner and within budget to facilitate project development
- Gathers, analyzes and applies information skillfully and strategically to respond in creative ways to engineering, project management, capital improvement management, planning and land use challenges
- Develops alternative solutions for consideration by the airport management, the Airport Commission, ALUC, and airline stakeholders
- Works effectively in group problem-solving situations with diverse airport stakeholders to foster creativity and collaboration
- Plans, organizes, and implements projects to meet established timeframes to ensure that airport infrastructure meets current and future needs to safety, security, reliability, sustainability, and guest experience
- Sets appropriate priorities and modifies as needed as input is received from airport management and stakeholders
ORAL | WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- Promotes open, candid information sharing across organizational boundaries in working with cities and other jurisdictions on land use and planning issues
- Communicates and coordinates effectively with federal, state, regional and local agencies on technical and non-technical matters
- Listens effectively to others and understands stakeholder interests
- Presents ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically and persuasively both orally and in writing especially for airport related Commissions and other audiences
- Ensures timely, appropriate communication with stakeholders
- Readily and routinely shares technical knowledge with others to support the airport's infrastructure development, land use planning and environmental compliance
RESULTS ORIENTED
- Set challenging, measurable project goals aligned with airport business objectives
- Plan, organize and implement projects to meet established time frames and cost containments
- As opportunities arise, re-engineer business processes and improve organizational effectiveness by proposing and implementing initiatives to improve efficiency, streamline operations and meet current and future business needs
- Set appropriate priorities and modify as needed
- Accountable for personal performance and goal achievement and maintains sufficient content and knowledge to perform all aspects of the job effectively
MINIMUM CLASSIFICATION
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications and the physical & mental requirements as well as the environmental & working conditions for the Business Services Deputy Director.
LICENSE REQUIRED
The successful candidate must possess, obtain and maintain the following licenses:
- Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment
- Valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment
AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
Employees must clear a background check, which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check, and Security Threat Assessment (STA) check. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment. Airport Access Badge must be maintained and renewed every two (2) years.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applications exhibiting qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) | (Weighted 100%)
An Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate the application, supplemental questionnaire, and resumes for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above.
Structured Oral Interview (SOI) | Exam (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Eligible List | Score Groups
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Michelle Bocicor at mbocicor@ocair.com or (949) 252-5174 .
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:
- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information. - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 12/19/2025 11:59 PM Pacific