Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications

Distinguishing Characteristics: 

Under minimal guidance and administrative direction, the Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications, works to create and successfully execute plans and initiatives in support of the marketing and communications strategic priorities, with the objective of increasing customer awareness and usage of Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) services and increasing air service options for both inbound and outbound travelers at Tucson International Airport (TUS).The Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications will collaborate effectively within the airport industry as well as with community leaders and stakeholders to promote and maximize all aspects of TAA's business, operations and economic development opportunities at both TUS and Ryan Airfield (RYN); develop  strategic messaging, both internal and external; and cultivate a steadfast commitment to hospitality and collaboration.

Essential Functions:  
The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals.
• Work in close collaboration with the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) in the development of the marketing and advertising plans, programs, and promotions that seek to drive additional demand and revenue for TUS, leading to additional/fully utilized air service.
• Manage external advertising campaigns through radio, TV, out of home, digital, print, and other media.
• Manage internal and external communications, including writing memos and newsletters.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate performance of directly reporting staff utilizing established TAA criteria, performing or recommending training, coaching, and mentoring to keep staff operating at the highest level of skill necessary for meeting organization needs and objectives.
• Participate in domestic and international trade shows and conferences relevant to areas of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with business partners and community leaders to promote TAA and usage of the airport system.
• Research, develop, and implement strategies to increase airport usage; identify target markets for strategic marketing initiatives; monitor and analyze performance trends and passenger data; reduce leakage to surrounding airports; 
• Develop, recommend, and implement new marketing initiatives that are innovative yet aligned with TAA brand standards and guidelines. 
• Manage marketing consultants’ projects, products and contracts.
• Conduct surveys of business and leisure travelers to inform strategic marketing decisions.
• Provide technical and informational assistance to the regional travel/tourism industry to enhance state, local, and industry efforts to promote tourism within Tucson and Southern Arizona. Promote TUS, TAA and RYN within airports’ service areas.
• Develop and present reports and presentations on existing marketing trends, performance, and initiatives to the TAA Board, TAA leaders, community leaders and influencers, industry and professional groups.
• Assist in the development of the department’s annual operating budget; monitor the department budget; develop and submit recommendations for the Capital Improvement, Major Maintenance and Capital Outlay Programs as related to the department’s areas of responsibility.
• Develop and facilitate department goals and objectives to support the Strategic Plan and monitor progress; collaborate with other TAA departments and divisions to coordinate goals and objectives that require a cross-functional team approach.
• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.

The above-listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements and based on specific needs of the departments or division assigned.
 

Position Requirements:  

• A Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration or other closely related fields.
• A minimum of ten (10) years' experience in Marketing, Communications, or Aviation/Airport Management, including at least three (3) years of leadership/people management experience. 
• Experience at a FAR Part 139, commercial service airport, is highly desired.

Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Additional Application Information:

• Recruitment Process: Candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and 1 professional writing sample (not to exceed three pages; please include it with your cover letter) as part of their application. Candidates selected for an in-person interview may also choose to share a design sample or professional portfolio. Finalists advancing to the second interview will be asked to deliver a brief 7-10 minute presentation using a slide deck provided in advance.
• Recruitment Timeline:  Job posting will close on September 10, 2026.  Virtual Screenings will be held the week of September 14th.  First round interviews will be held on September 21st.  Second round interviews will be held on September 30th.
• As part of our recruitment process, your submitted writing sample(s) may be reviewed using artificial intelligence (AI) tools. 
  • Purpose: AI review is used to support, not replace, human judgment. Decisions on any application are made by humans. AI assistance is merely a tool we utilize to aid in that judgment.
  • Data Use: Your writing sample will be processed securely and only for recruitment purposes. Any analysis of a submitted writing sample will not be shared with any third party, subject to applicable law.
• By continuing with your application and voluntarily submitting your writing sample(s) as part of our recruitment process, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this notice.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of aviation market research and trade analysis.
• Principles of business management, airport management and administration, public administration, and fiscal management.
• A variety of practices and procedures, including, but not limited to FAR Part 139 (airport certification/regulations), TSA 1542 (airport security regulations), and other regulations governing the operation of commercial service and general aviation airports.
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ICS).

Skill in:

• Organization; oral, listening, and written communications; proofreading; critical-thinking and multi-tasking.
• Taking initiative and being a self-starter. 
• Exercising effective supervisory management and leadership techniques.
• Budget development, analysis and management.
• Program development and implementation.
• Motivating and mentoring staff.

Ability to:

Environmental Requirements

• Work primarily in a typical, temperature controlled administrative office setting in a semi-enclosed work space. 
• At times, work in a high-noise environment and extreme weather.

Mental Requirements

• Effectively manage in a fast-paced, complex airport operating environment.
• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations; use sound and effective judgment.
• Effectively manage emergency events and situations consistent with federal regulations, NIMS/ICS, and best practices.
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, with mature judgment; function in compelling, high stress, fast moving work environment, with deadlines and multiple projects.
• Initiate and organize responsibilities without observant supervision; take independent action relative to emergency operations and work problems requiring immediate solutions.  
• Interpret and analyze complex technical data and information for decision-making and reporting purposes.
• Research information and organize data in meaningful form, make sound judgments, draw accurate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Physical Requirements

• Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate, fluent manner.
• Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, (at times) in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others.

General

• Make effective public presentations.
• Be able to work special hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, and be available to be on call 24 hours/7 days per week to respond to the airport in the event of an emergency. 
• Understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on “need-to-know” and maintain discreet and professional sense of confidentiality due to sensitive nature of job functions. 
• Operate a computer, and any other computer software appropriate for assigned position.
• Improve job knowledge and work effectiveness through educational courses, training programs, work related seminars, and workshops; engage in self-improvement activities and training.
• Be available for both domestic and international travel for industry conferences and meetings with business partners and stakeholders.  
• Hold direct reports accountable for accomplishing functional responsibilities and delegated tasks, and differentiate between high and low performers.
• Mentor and coach staff; provide leadership and development opportunities for direct reports. 
• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, with mature judgment, to function in compelling, high stress, fast moving work surroundings, within deadlines and across multiple projects.
• Assist and serve as a resource for general public, media, and members of the airport industry.
• Be sensitive and aware of actions and reactions of employees, tenants, TAA Board and Members, consultants, the public and outside agencies, and inform supervisor of appropriate concerns.
• Perform cross training within work environment.
• Respond to emergencies such as aircraft incidents, diversions, passenger concerns, and initiate appropriate public and media actions.
• Continuously learn and apply the latest up-to-date technical knowledge and skills in functional area of responsibility.  Strive to become an expert in field by taking initiative for on-the-job learning experiences, as well as seeking out formal education and coursework for continuous growth and development.
• Understand own strengths and weaknesses, seek input from supervisor and peers about how to improve, and focus on continuous self-improvement activities.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Valid Arizona Driver’s license. 
• Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA).
• Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700, and 800 course requirements and certification within the first year of assuming the position. Additional courses may be required as determined.
• A.A.E. or C.M. accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives required within the first two years of assuming the position.
• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required.
• Will serve at the pleasure of the President/CEO and is not covered by the TAA termination appeals process.

Salary : $87,719 - $147,681