Contractual Air Service Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $112,414.00 - $140,000.00 Annually
Location : Southwest Florida International Airport, 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Ste 8671, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00788
Department: Commercial Development
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 4:30 PM Eastern
About Us
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is an award-winning, medium-hub commercial service airport that served more than a record-breaking 11.1 million passengers in 2025 and is one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic. Fifteen airlines serve RSW with nonstop service to more than 70 markets, including Canada and Germany. The economic impact of the airport is $8.3 billion annually to the Southwest Florida region and more than 60,000 jobs. Page Field (FMY), an FAA-designated reliever airport, provides services to general and business aviation and accommodated more than 160,000 aircraft operations in 2025. Base Operations at Page Field is an award-winning, fixed-based operator and has been recognized for its customer service and facilities.
Terminal Expansion projects are currently underway at RSW to improve the airport travel experience by consolidating the security checkpoints, adding concession space and providing passengers more amenities and options. In addition, a new Concourse E is being constructed with 14 gates, as well as other terminal, landside and airside improvements.
The anticipated annual salary for the ideal candidate is between $ 112,414 and $140,000.
General Statement of Job
The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the Director of Air Service Development (ASD). This leadership position is responsible for retaining and expanding domestic and international passenger and cargo routes at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research and performance analysis on passenger traffic and market trends to identify domestic and international service opportunities
• Develop and present high-level business cases to airline corporate officials and decision makers to retain and expand passenger and air cargo services at RSW
• Formulate and execute a targeted Air Service Incentive Program and have the ability to formulate innovative marketing strategies to support new service
• Take a leading role in expanding international air service programs by tracking regulatory and bilateral route authority developments
• Analyze regional, state and global economic data to forecast future cargo needs and stimulate continuous cargo growth within the air trade area
• Take a leadership role to develop and maintain high-level strategic relationships with airlines, aviation organizations, local businesses and stakeholders to enhance airport usage
• Develop and maintain professional contacts and relationships with key representatives in the local and state tourism and travel industry
• Partner with internal marketing and communications team to design, monitor and evaluate data-driven promotional, digital and advertising campaigns to support new and existing routes
• Prepare, justify and monitor the annual department budget, ensuring strict control over expenditures, as well as incentive funding

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, marketing, economics or a closely related field
• Minimum of six years of aviation industry work experience in the areas of air service development, airline route planning or travel/aviation industry marketing; including at least three years in an administrative, supervisory or leadership role
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Must successfully complete a TSA fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Security Threat Assessment (STA) and a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check to obtain and maintain all necessary airport security badges and credentials (SIDA, Customs Seal)
• Current, valid international passport
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to meet with airline partners and attend industry conferences
• A valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
Lee County Port Authority personnel are designated by tier levels and may be called upon to assist with an emergency or unforeseen event at any time. Employees may be called to fulfill duties that are outside their normal scope of work to assist in resuming airport operations and flight activities.
Overview of Benefits
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
The Port Authority participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Employees have the option of choosing between two retirement plans:
1) FRS Pension Plan - traditional retirement plan that offers a guaranteed monthly benefit upon vesting requirements
2) FRS Investment Plan - benefit is based on contributions made to the account and on investment performance. Both plans require eligible employees to contribute 3% per paycheck, while the employer contributes 13.63% for regular class or 32.79% for Special Risk.
Medical Insurance
The Port Authority offers two plan choices for all full-time employees, their legally married spouse and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following their date of hire.
Dental Insurance
The Port Authority offers a dental plan for full time employees, their legally married spouse and children.
Vision Insurance
The Port Authority offers two (2) affordable plans options to select: Low and High Plan.
Employee Assistance Program
The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. This is the availability of licensed professional counselors for personal issues with 100% confidentiality.
Flexible Spending Account(s)
There are two (2) types of FSA reimbursement accounts that allows contributions to be deducted from each paycheck before taxes to cover expense with pre-tax dollars. This lowers your taxable income. 1) Medical Expense Reimbursement - covers out-of-pocket expenses for medical, dental and/or vision expenses; 2) Dependent Care Reimbursement - covers daycare costs for dependent children under the age of 13 or elderly adult daycare.
Life /AD & D Insurance
The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Employees are insured at an amount equal to the annual salary rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. The AD&D insurance provides additional coverage in the event the employee should lose their limb(s), eyesight or die.
Additional Life Insurance
The Port Authority provides the employee with an option to purchase additional life insurance coverage for him/herself, their spouse and their child(ren).
Short Term Disability
The Port Authority provides the employee with short term disability coverage for him/herself at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid to 60% of salary up to nine (9) weeks.
Long Term Disability
The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid up to 60% of the employee's salary after being disabled for 60 consecutive days.
Direct Deposit
The employee's payroll check is directly deposited into the bank of their choice.
Other Programs
457 Deferred compensation programs
Education reimbursement
On-site gym - RSW
Paid Time Off & Holidays
The Port Authority offers a generous amount of paid time off in addition to 11 paid holidays, and 1 personal day
01
Do you have a minimum of six years of aviation industry work experience in the areas of air service development, airline route planning or travel/aviation industry marketing; including at least three years in an administrative, supervisory or leadership role

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a current, valid international passport?

• Yes
• No

Required Question