Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply immediately or no later than May 26, 2025.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is responsible for providing safe, dependable, and efficient mobility across the state. Organized into divisions — Highway, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Rail & Transit, Aeronautics, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency (MBTA) — MassDOT collaborates with federal partners, local communities, regional partners, quasi-public agencies and other agencies to plan, build, operate, and maintain the state's multimodal transportation system.
Reporting directly to the Secretary of Transportation, the Aeronautics Administrator is a senior leader at MassDOT providing strategic, financial, and operational leadership for the Aeronautics Division. Responsible for managing a $2 million operating budget, $13–$25 million in state capital funds, and $35–$60 million in FAA funding, the Administrator oversees strategic partnerships with federal agencies and research institutions, and drives policy, planning, and project execution statewide, including those for the 35 public-use general aviation airports under the Division’s authority. This role leads a complex, multidisciplinary team, supports statewide aviation initiatives, coordinates with federal and state partners, and advances safety, security, and multimodal mobility goals.
Essential functions of the position include:
Core Aviation Program Management
The Aeronautics Administrator leads statewide aeronautical policies and programs, including overseeing aviation projects such as the Airport System Plan, Runway and Taxiway Markings, and Security Initiatives; and manages technical programs like Pavement Management and NAVAIDs. Additionally, the role leads MEMA’s Air Operations Group for emergency air operations and disaster relief, ensuring effective coordination and data security. The Administrator oversees and administrators the five-year MassDOT-funded Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), to include approving FAA Airport Capital Improvement Plans and ensuring compliance with FAA regulations.
Drone Program Management
The Administrator leads Massachusetts’ statewide uncrewed and autonomous air systems programs, leveraging innovative technologies to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Through the Commonwealth UAS Integration Program (CUIP), they manage initiatives in beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, counter-drone systems, advanced air mobility like small package delivery drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), and FAA-designated UAS test ranges. They coordinate with key federal partners, oversee data management challenges, and position Massachusetts as a national leader in drone innovation and policy.
Research Champion and Chief Investigator
The Aeronautics Administrator leads applied research efforts that address real-time transportation challenges, emphasizing near-term, deployable solutions. They collaborate across MassDOT divisions, partner agencies, and external organizations to secure resources and execute projects that improve transportation systems and safety statewide.
Communications
The Aeronautics Administrator is the primary voice for aviation safety and education, regularly briefing leadership, stakeholders, and the public. This position responds to legislative, public, and agency inquiries, manages communications around grant compliance, and provides critical outreach and policy guidance. This includes drafting written responses or preparation of presentations for the Secretary of Transportation and consulting closely with FAA and other federal partners.
The starting salary for this position will be $184,865. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers a competitive benefits package to include non-Medicare health insurance, dental & vision, LTD, Life Insurance & AD&D, FSA, and the Mass4YOU Employee Assistance Program. Click here to learn more about the benefits offered by the Commonwealth.
To be considered, applicants must possess the following:
· Experience: Significant experience in the aviation industry, including at least seven (7) years of professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business, public or clinical administration or management, of which at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity, is required.
· Licenses and Certifications: FAA commercial and instrument pilot licenses, along with an ATP or FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot in Command certification, are highly desired. Project management experience is essential, with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification highly desired. Candidates with accreditation as an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) or Certified Member (CM) from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) will be prioritized.
· Skills and Expertise: Analytical expertise, including decision-making, gap analysis, and procurement, is crucial. Business experience, including ROI calculations, business planning and fiscal management, is essential. Experience with aviation or strategic business consulting, government roles (Federal, DoD, or State), and research, particularly in quantitative or qualitative methods, is highly valued. Experience with organized labor negotiations is a plus.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply immediately or no later than May 26, 2025.
Contact Edward.Williams@bakertilly.com or call 214-842-6478 for additional information.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/ to learn more about the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-transportation to learn more about MassDOT.
