Air Service & Marketing Manager

Shape the future of air service in Northeast Indiana. This high-impact role leads the strategy to attract, retain, and grow airline service at Fort Wayne International Airport driving connectivity, economic growth, and regional visibility. Using data-driven insights and strong industry relationships, youll identify new route opportunities, build compelling business cases, and partner directly with airlines and community leaders to bring service to market.

Youll also champion the airports brand through innovative marketing, communications, and community engagement initiatives that elevate awareness and strengthen public support. As a key ambassador, youll collaborate with stakeholders, lead outreach efforts, and influence regional growth while managing marketing programs and strategic initiatives that deliver measurable results.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts market research and analysis to identify air service opportunities, including evaluating target markets, monitoring air service schedules, benchmarking peer airports, and analyzing data from airlines, passengers, and industry sources to assess demand and forecast traffic and operational trends.
• Develops and implements air service development strategies, including marketing plans and incentive programs, to support the retention and expansion of passenger service; promotes airport and route opportunities to domestic and international carriers.
• Works collaboratively with the Leadership Team and independently to execute the organizations strategic plan.
• Serves as primary liaison between the airport, airlines, business leaders, and community stakeholders to identify needs, evaluate opportunities, and advance air service initiatives; represents and advocates for the airport with local, state, and federal partners.
• Leads community outreach and engagement efforts, including building relationships with regional organizations, chambers of commerce, and business groups; identifies speaking opportunities and develops and delivers presentations to support air service development and public awareness.
• Maintains strong partnerships with economic development organizations and stakeholders; educates the community on the economic impact and value of air service to the region.
• Collaborates with aviation consultants to develop data-driven business cases and presentations in support of new and expanded passenger air service.
• Oversees the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies, including branding, advertising, and promotional initiatives, while producing and guiding creative content and marketing materials to support air service and organizational goals.
• Manages day-to-day marketing and communications functions, including media relations, press releases, special events, speaking engagements, and the airport authoritys advertising and promotional programs.
• Serves as the organizations media and public information contact in the absence of the CEO.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including airline executives, trade organizations, and community partners.
• Prepares and administers the budget for the Air Service and Marketing Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of market research, trade analysis and air service development.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use software providing statistical data to and analyze and interpret various air transportation datasets as well as work well with aviation industry metrics, numbers and trends.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, brand development, and communications strategies.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, including delivery to executive and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise written reports, presentations, and correspondence based on data analysis while effectively building relationships and communicating professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan and schedule work activities to ensure that priorities are maintained and projects are completed accurately and on time.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, both inside and outside the organization and to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work in a team environment, solve problems and deliver excellent customer service.

Experience and Education Requirements

Bachelors degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Aviation Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; approximately 3-5 years of experience in air service development, airline/airport business analysis, marketing, or communications.

Technology & Systems Proficiency Requirements

The position requires advanced knowledge with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, and Word.

Experience using graphic design and digital content creation software Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva.

Formal application reviews will start June 25th!