Deputy Executive Director – MDT

Job Overview: Deputy Executive Director

The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) is seeking a high-level aviation executive to serve as Deputy Executive Director for Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) and its three surrounding general aviation airports. This is a “Number Two” leadership position, acting as the principal advisor to the Executive Director and assuming full operational command of the authority in their absence.

This role is designed for a strategic operator who can balance the complexities of a small hub commercial service airport with the unique needs of a multi-airport system, focusing on financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and regional economic impact.

Key Responsibilities & Executive Leadership

Operational & Strategic Oversight

• Principal Advisor: Serve as a senior executive providing leadership across all SARAA airports (MDT, FCY, CXY, and GRA).

• Strategic Direction: Shared responsibility for long-term planning, organizational performance, and maintaining a customer-focused operational culture.

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all facilities meet or exceed FAA Part 139 standards, TSA security mandates, and environmental regulations.

• Financial Stewardship: Oversee budget management and capital improvement programs to ensure the authority remains fiscally sound.

Crisis & Continuity Management

• Acting Executive Director: Assume full aviation-related leadership and decision-making authority in the absence of the Executive Director.

• Inter-Agency Liaison: Represent SARAA in high-stakes negotiations and collaborations with federal, state, and local government entities, as well as airline partners.

Qualifications & Requirements

Professional Experience

• Tenure: 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible airport management experience.

• Leadership: Proven track record in a supervisory leadership role within a commercial service airport environment.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Certifications & Credentials

• Preferred: Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) credential from AAAE, or IAP/USAP certification from ACI.

• Alternative: Willingness to obtain these certifications is required if not already held.

Key Competencies for Success

• Political Acumen: Ability to navigate the interests of a regional authority board and diverse community stakeholders.

• Operational Depth: Comprehensive understanding of airfield operations, terminal management, and general aviation (GA) airport needs.

• Visionary Thinking: Ability to identify emerging aviation trends—such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)—and integrate them into the regional strategy.

Application & Filing Information

• Filing Deadline: April 12, 2026

• Detailed Brochure: Available via ADK Consulting & Executive Search.

• Location: Middletown, PA (Harrisburg International Airport).

  The Organization & Culture The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) is the multi-municipal governing body responsible for the oversight and economic development of several key aviation hubs in Central Pennsylvania, most notably Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). Its mission is to provide high-quality, efficient airport services while acting as a catalyst for regional economic growth. In 2026, the culture is defined by “Record-Breaking Growth” and “Operational Efficiency.” Following a historic 2025—the airport’s biggest year to date—the vibe is high-energy and forward-looking. Employees describe the workplace as stable and collaborative, with a management team that is increasingly tech-focused, recently modernizing their recruitment and internal communication systems to handle a “flurry” of new hiring.

  The Locations SARAA’s footprint extends across four distinct aviation facilities:

  • Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): Located in Middletown, this is the primary commercial engine, serving as a hub for five major airlines and global cargo networks for FedEx and UPS.

  • Capital City Airport (CXY): Situated in New Cumberland, it serves the region’s general aviation needs and acts as a reliever for MDT.

  • Franklin County Regional Airport (FCRA): A key general aviation facility in Chambersburg.

  • Gettysburg Regional Airport (GRA): A historic general aviation airport serving the Adams County area.

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  Workplace & Career Highlights (2026)

  • Leadership Transition: As of early 2026, SARAA is in a significant leadership phase. Long-time Executive Director Timothy Edwards is set to depart, with Ryan Collins transitioning into the role of Executive Director in January 2027. This shift is bringing a fresh focus on Master Plan execution, including a new 3,000-space parking garage and expanded cargo facilities.

  • 2026 Salary Landscape: Pay at SARAA is competitive for the Central PA market, with a notable emphasis on internal growth:

    • Average Annual Salary: Approximately $71,817 (with ranges typically between $63k and $82k).

    • Specialized Roles: Police Officers start around $57,000, while Maintenance Technicians and HVAC specialists range from $21 to $30 per hour.

    • Executive Level: Top leadership roles can command significantly higher compensation, reflecting the authority’s $120 million+ annual economic impact.

  • Comprehensive Benefits: SARAA offers a robust package for full-time employees, including:

    • Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage.

    • Retirement: A 401(a) plan and a 457 plan for tax-advantaged savings.

    • Work-Life Balance: 10 days of vacation (typical for new hires) and paid sick time, with a 2026 employee rating of 4.0/5 for work-life balance.

  • Self-Sustaining Model: A unique cultural point of pride is that SARAA is taxpayer-independent. It is funded through the Aviation Trust Fund (passenger taxes) and airport revenue, meaning employees work for a “business-minded” public authority that doesn’t rely on subsidies.

  • Modern ATS & Hiring: In 2026, the HR team (led by Mick Burkett) utilizes the KeldairHR platform to streamline the candidate experience, ensuring that applicants for the ~105-person team receive faster feedback and a “tech-forward” onboarding process.

  Strategic Values: “Economic Prosperity & Regional Unity”

  • Economic Hub: SARAA’s airports increasingly bolster Central Pennsylvania’s prosperity; nearly 43% of the airport’s workforce resides in Dauphin County alone.

  • Collaborative Safety: The authority maintains its own Police and Fire Departments, fostering a culture of specialized public safety where officers are cross-trained in airport-specific emergency response.

  • Sustainability & Infrastructure: The 20-year Master Plan focuses on land-use efficiency, ensuring that non-aviation growth stays clear of valuable runway-adjacent land.