Airport Director - City of Keene, New Hampshire

Start Date: July 16, 2025 | End Date: August 29, 2025
County: Other / Outside Maine
Job Type: Other

Are you a strategic aviation leader ready to take flight in a role that blends infrastructure management, economic development, and community engagement?  The City of Keene is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Airport Director to lead operations at Dillant-Hopkins Airport, a key regional asset and catalyst for economic, educational, and recreational growth.  As the Airport Director, you’ll oversee the development, administration, maintenance, and strategic direction of Keene Dillant-Hopkins Airport.  This leadership position ensures the airport operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. You will be the go-to authority on airfield planning, infrastructure development, regulatory coordination, and stakeholder engagement.  Apply today to become a part of our amazing team!

Our Community

Keene is a progressive city with the heart of a town, the cultural and economic hub of the Monadnock region.

Keene is an energetic community that provides services, programs, and resources for a much greater population than the residents of the city alone. Although the conveniences and attractions of large metropolitan areas are close at hand, the community maintains a solidly residential working-class character, complemented by an idyllic, rural landscape. The heart of the community is its vibrant and historic, downtown core. Keene has cultivated a lasting spirit of place, built on a foundation of the past and a clear vision of the future.
 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervise the management, maintenance and repair of airport facilities and airfield which includes the airport terminal and all other related structures.

• Develop and implement rules and regulations designed to maintain airfield safety and regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate emergency activities and implement emergency plans in the event of an airport emergency.

• Coordinate long-range capital improvement plans with the NHDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration.

• Plan, evaluate, and implement airfield developmental projects.  Develop annual capital and operations budgets for the airport and manage allocated funds.

• Prepare and implement project grant applications in cooperation with consultants and City staff, manage grant applications, awards and records assuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and grant assurances.

• Develop and implement marketing and promotional activities to build public awareness and increase the visibility and utilization of the airport and adjacent City-owned properties.

• Coordinate meetings of aviation, economic development, and community stakeholders in the City of Keene, the Town of Swanzey, and the region.

• Other specific job duties can be found in the job description below.
 

About the City of Keene

A friendly and vibrant college town with over 23,000 residents, Keene is a vital part of this southern New Hampshire area. As the hub of Cheshire County, the Keene community places a high value on environmental sustainability, locally sourced food and products, and historic preservation. You’ll find the best characteristics of small city living here, with a popular downtown area which offers shopping, restaurants, the arts, farmer’s markets, a thriving food co-op, festivals, events, and live theaters.  If you prefer to stay busy with outdoor recreation opportunities, there are many parks, ponds, and lakes in the area as well as a vast trail system for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.  With convenient access to Interstate 91, many popular ski areas are within close proximity as well. Keene is a welcoming area with something for everyone, including sports leagues for youth and adults (such as an adult softball league, rugby, and ice hockey).  We even have our very own collegiate baseball team, the Keene Swamp Bats, which we welcome to the area every summer!

The City offers a variety of public and private education opportunities for students in kindergarten – grade 12. We are also home to Keene State College, which is ranked by U.S News and World Report as a top regional college, as well as River Valley Community College, and a private graduate school, Antioch University of New England. Your healthcare needs will be covered by Cheshire Medical Center, which is part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system. Cheshire is the area’s largest health care provider and a leading employer, with numerous satellite locations.

The city offers a diverse economy which includes a spectrum of everything from family-owned companies to global industry leaders.  Keene is a great place to live, learn, work, and play for families and professionals.

Discover More About the Monadnock Region
 

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in business, airport, or aviation management.

• 5-7 years of related experience, including 3 years in a supervisory capacity.

• A valid driver’s license is required.
 

Salary and Benefits include:

• This position offers a salary of $102,604- $127,863 annualized and will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group I retirement, and other benefits such as life, disability, and paid time off, in addition to new hire incentives/moving expense assistance.  Municipal employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

• An environment where you can grow, be challenged, and learn from collaborative and talented colleagues.

• The opportunity to make a real difference in our community.

Ready to apply?

Apply now by visiting keenenh.gov/jobs.  As part of the application process, you are required to upload your resume and cover letter.  Confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and received will be sent via email.

This position will be open until filled and the first review of applications will be on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Job Description: Airport Director (scroll down to "Airport Director," click "VIEW," scroll down and click Job Description link)
 

THE CITY OF KEENE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.