Airport Governmental Affairs & Industry Relations Manager bei City of Cleveland, OH

About the Department

Position Duties

Typical duties performed, include, but are not limited to oversight of daily operations to ensure alignment with departmental objectives and organizational priorities. Dependent upon service area, may manage and direct staff to maintain efficient workflows, ensuring productivity and high-quality outcomes.   Develop, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.  Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities for process improvement.   Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to support departmental initiatives.   Perform other job-related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.   Substitution: Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for each year of college education lacking.  Six (6) years of full-time management experience required.   Four (4) years of demonstrated leadership experience.   Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement effective solutions.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License required.    

Other Qualifications

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 10-year fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check and employment background check and Security Threat Assessment.  
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug test.
• Must have a strong understanding of the legislative process and government relations.
• Must have strong interpersonal, conflict management, negotiating, verbal and written communication skills to build a strong rapport and productive relationships with colleagues, executive leadership, government officials, and airport stakeholders.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work in a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters non-discrimination.
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and have the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities. 
• Must be computer proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s in Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Duties & Responsibilities

Under administrative direction, reports to the Assistant Director of Administration providing leadership and oversight of airport governmental affairs and industry relations. Serves as a liaison between the airport and external organizations.

This position is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives related to legislative and policy matters impacting the airport. Build and maintain effective relationships with government officials and agencies to advocate for airport interests and manage all communications related to legislative and regulatory issues. Remain informed of proposed laws, rules and regulations, and represents the airport at relevant meetings, conferences, and industry events. Develop and implement strategies to advance both local legislative priorities and the airport’s overall agenda.

• Legislative and Regulatory
  • Develop and implement strategic plans to influence legislative and regulatory policies at the local, state and federal levels.
  • Monitor proposed legislation and regulatory changes affecting airport operations, funding, and compliance.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the airport and governmental entities, elected officials, and regulatory agencies.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with policymakers, civil leaders, and industry stakeholders to promote the airport’s interests.
  • Advocate for the airport’s priorities and interests through written and verbal communication, including position papers, testimonies and briefings. 
  • Analyze legislative and regulatory developments and provide briefings and recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Prepare reports summarizing the potential impact of proposed policies and regulations.
  • Advise senior leadership on legislative risks and opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the communication team to manage messaging related to legislative and regulatory issues.
  • Ensure compliance with all lobbying and advocacy disclosure requirements.
  • Track and report progress on legislative initiatives and goals.
  • Coordinate monthly visits with City Council and local representatives to visit CLE to discuss the airport system’s strategic direction.
• Industry Relations  
  • Engages with aviation industry organizations (ACI, AAAE, FAA) to stay current on trends and to represent the airport’s interests.
  • Coordinates with airlines, airport tenants and business partners on policy and regulatory matters.
  • Represent the airport at industry events, conferences, and legislative hearings.
  • Conduct research and benchmarking to inform the development of the airport’s policy positions.
  • Support the development and advancement of the airport’s legislative agenda in collaboration with the executive leadership.
• Other
  • Ensure consistent and strategic communication with external partners on legislative matters.  
  • Develop and monitor section budget expenditures.
  • Performs other related duties as required.

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.