Director Aviation Planning & Noise Program

The Jones Payne Group is seeking an accomplished aviation planner to serve as the leader and primary face of our Aviation Practice Group. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior role at a firm that has spent nearly three decades building one of the most comprehensive airport noise mitigation programs in the United States.

As Practice Group Leader, you will direct our Aviation Noise Group — overseeing FAR Part 150 studies, Noise Exposure Map development, residential and institutional sound insulation programs, and federal grants management. You will also play a pivotal business development role, working hand-in-hand with our Director of Architecture to sell integrated planning and architecture services across our airport client base.

Beyond project delivery, we are looking for someone who wants to be the voice of aviation planning — speaking at ACI-NA, AAAE, TRB, and other national forums, publishing white papers, and building JP's reputation as the premier firm for airport community integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Aviation Practice Group, setting strategic direction and managing a team of planners, project managers, and support staff across multiple airport programs.
• Serve as Principal-in-Charge for Part 150 Noise Compatibility Studies, Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs), and related planning deliverables in compliance with FAA requirements.
• Direct Noise Mitigation Programs including residential and non-residential sound insulation, property acquisition planning, and grant funding strategy (AIP/Entitlement/Discretionary).
• Collaborate directly with the Director of Architecture to package and sell combined planning + architecture services to airport clients, expanding JP's revenue footprint per client.
• Drive business development through RFP pursuit strategy, client relationship management, and proposal leadership for new aviation contracts.
• Represent JP as a featured speaker at national aviation conferences including AAAE, ACI-NA, TRB, and regional airport associations.
• Author white papers, case studies, and industry commentary to establish JP as a thought leader in aviation noise planning and community integration.
• Mentor junior planners and build internal aviation planning capabilities to support practice growth.
• Maintain and grow existing client relationships at major airport authorities, serving as senior point of contact and trusted advisor.
• Stay current on evolving FAA policy, noise impacts, Advanced Air Mobility noise considerations, and environmental review requirements (NEPA/CEQA).

Required

• 10+ years of aviation planning experience
• Deep expertise in FAR Part 150 studies, NEMs, and FAA grant compliance (AIP)
• Experience managing multi-year, multi-million dollar airport programs as prime consultant
• Proven track record in client-facing business development and proposal writing
• Strong public speaking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Planning, Environmental Science, or related field

Preferred

• Experience with noise impact analysis and community outreach
• Familiarity with Advanced Air Mobility (AAM/UAM) planning considerations
• Prior experience collaborating with architects on airport facility projects
• Published articles or conference presentations in aviation planning
• Relationships with major U.S. airport authorities or FAA regional offices
• Master's degree in Planning, Public Policy, or related field

The Ideal Candidate

You are a seasoned aviation planner who has grown tired of being a contributor in a large firm — you want ownership. You've spent years managing Part 150 studies, running community meetings, and navigating the politics of airport-adjacent neighborhoods, and you've built a network in the industry that can open doors.

You understand that airports don't just need noise studies — they need a partner who can help them become good neighbors, manage federal funding, and improve their physical facilities. You're excited about the chance to collaborate with architects because you know that the combination of planning expertise and design capability benefits airport sponsors.

You are comfortable on a stage. You enjoy writing. You want to build something — a practice, a team, a reputation — and you want to do it within a culture that is mission-driven, community-focused, and genuinely collaborative.

Why Jones Payne?

• An established aviation portfolio with active programs at major U.S. airports — you inherit a strong foundation, not a blank page.
• A multidisciplinary firm: planners, architects, construction experts, and IT professionals under one roof — giving you a powerful cross-sell story.
• A mission-driven culture focused on building livable, sustainable communities — the work is meaningful, not just transactional.
• Senior leadership support and a seat at the table — this is a practice-building role with real autonomy and real accountability.
• 29 years of strong client relationships to build upon, with offices across multiple regions.