Aviation Innovation Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Aviation Innovation Coordinator serves as a project coordinator, supporting the advancement of innovation and passenger experience project management at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). This role involves coordinating multiple projects and monitoring a variety of passenger-facing platforms such as the Airport’s website, mobile app, digital display content, public-address system, and chatbot. The role also supports implementation efforts tied to emerging technology like biometric entry/exit systems, passenger and bus flow monitoring tools, and other innovations that improve airport operations and customer service.

The Innovation Coordinator ensures successful project execution through consistent stakeholder engagement and organized task management, while also serving as a liaison to gather feedback, benchmark industry standards, and develop recommendations. A foundational understanding of technical infrastructure and the ability to collaborate with IT teams and vendors is essential to ensure seamless implementation and functionality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, maintain, and monitor project plans, schedules, assigned budgets, and deliverables to ensure timely and successful project completion.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather requirements, facilitate communication, and document feedback for effective project execution.

• Ensure projects adhere to applicable frameworks, regulatory requirements, and best practices while managing risks and proposing timely solutions.

• Coordinate project activities across divisions, ensuring proper resource allocation and stakeholder alignment.

• Assist the Aviation Innovation Implementation team in training, coordinating, and carrying out new features, functions, and initiatives.

• Conduct research, analyze industry trends, and draft proposals to support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.

• Facilitate project meetings, track action items, and ensure clear documentation and follow-ups to drive progress.

• Work closely with technology division teams on assigned related innovation contracts and/or projects including, without limitation, the content management system, terminal information centers and display screens, public announcement system, biometric system, security wait times, website and mobile application(s), in addition to other assigned new or existing innovations.

• Coordinate with internal technology teams and external vendors to support the installation and activation of passenger-facing hardware; ensure understanding of the underlying technical infrastructure and configuration requirements necessary for successful implementation and functionality.

• Assist the Aviation Innovation Implementation team in identifying and implementing new management processes, identifying and incorporating process efficiencies, validating accessibility, and completing detailed follow-up to ensure completion of deliverables and appropriate use of resources.

• Troubleshoot technical roadblocks in coordination with TechHelp and Aviation/City IT teams, including identifying gaps in infrastructure readiness, and escalate or resolve issues to ensure seamless deployment of innovation technologies.

• Conduct research, analyze industry trends, draft proposals, and create project outlines for possible innovation initiatives at CLT, incorporating user feedback and analytics to propose continuous improvements.

• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement processes to support project objectives and deliverables.

• Prepare project closeout documentation and support the transition of completed projects to operational teams for long-term sustainability.

• Track and report project performance using CLT's preferred project management tools to ensure accountability and transparency.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Technical project execution, particularly with technology-driven and/or technology-integrated construction projects.

• Networking fundamentals and infrastructure concepts to effectively support coordination with IT teams.

• Agile and Waterfall methodologies and related project management practices.

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, benchmarking, and auditing processes to ensure compliance across CLT’s public-facing platforms.

• Procurement, contract management, and aviation operations.

Skill in:

• Communicating technical requirements and serving as a liaison between project stakeholders and IT professionals.

• Supporting end-to-end device deployment, including hardware setup, vendor coordination, and troubleshooting technical challenges.

• Using analytics to inform decision-making and optimize project outcomes.

• Problem-solving, organization, and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

• Preparing clear, concise written and verbal communications, including reporting project updates to diverse stakeholders.

• Using Microsoft Office Suite and adapting to emerging technologies and tools.

Ability to:

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while working independently and collaboratively across teams.

• Develop trust and strong relationships with team members, vendors, and stakeholders through consistent and effective project delivery.

• Maintain strong attention to detail, flexibility, and situational awareness in high-traffic or public-facing environments.

• Maintain a process-oriented mindset to ensure alignment with project scope, timelines, and budget.

• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and innovative thinking to adapt and problem-solve in a rapidly evolving environment.

• Work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support project timelines and onsite meetings as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree and 1-year experience or Masters degree

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

• Experience in the aviation industry preferred.

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) preferred.

General Information:

• Primarily works business hours, Monday through Friday. Subject to calls and work during irregular hours, flexibility to work additional hours, and emergency calls back to work, as needed.
• Successful candidate must hold valid driver’s license with ability to qualify for and maintain a City driving permit.
• Ability to pass a background check in advance of start date required. Certain convictions will disqualify individuals from unescorted access privileges and therefore exclude from employment.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

• Positions in this class typically require grasping, stooping, squatting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• This position is primarily sedentary in nature and requires long periods of sitting and using a computer. May occasionally require lifting of up to 20 lbs. and carrying items for short distances.
• Sensory requirements include hearing, vision, touch, and speech.