Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Operations & Experience

City of Austin

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Airport Deputy Chief Officer of Operations & Experience provides strategic leadership and oversight for airport operational readiness, activation, transition, and customer experience. Reporting to the Airport Chief Operating Officer, the position operates with a high level of autonomy and oversees two direct reports and more than 50 staff. It helps shape operations and customer service across a large, complex multi-airport system by advancing governance frameworks, meeting regulatory obligations, applying consistent operational standards, and delivering customer experience outcomes aligned with global best practices.

Under the nominal direction of an Airport Chief Officer, the role develops, plans, and coordinates activities across multiple airport functional areas. It supports the Airport Chief Officer in leading programs and initiatives; develops strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities; ensures regulatory compliance; contributes to budget preparation and monitoring; and represents the department to City bodies, agencies, service providers, and the community. The position assumes Airport Chief Officer duties in that officer’s absence and is responsible for the full range of supervisory activities.

The position is based at the AUS Administrative Building in Austin, Texas. It is on-site and normally works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; hours may vary depending on business needs. Salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary range.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Business, Public Administration, Business or Aviation Management, Accounting/Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• Six years of related experience, including two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting the airport.
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, organizational change strategies, and performance measurement.
• Skill in fiscal planning and developing and preparing budgets.
• Skill in managing and allocating financial and human resources to execute operational and business plans.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, City Council, media, and the public.
• Skill in leading and managing a diverse workforce, including department employees and contractors in an airport environment.
• Ability to design scalable, efficient short- and long-term strategies and programs for a large, complex organization.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple City departments and internal business units to meet goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, develop and deliver public presentations, and serve as corporate spokesperson during operational incidents.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• A detailed and complete online Employment Application is required; a resume and cover letter are also required and are not accepted in lieu of the complete application.
• Employment history dates on the resume should match those on the online Employment Application.
• The top candidate will undergo a minimum 10-year criminal background check and security threat assessment.
• The position is subject to the City of Austin’s financial disclosure requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Executive leadership experience in airport operations or airport customer experience.
• Expertise in managing mission-critical airport infrastructure.
• Leadership experience in system-wide airport customer experience strategy.
• Demonstrated record of driving organizational change to enhance efficiency, reliability, and customer experience.
• Strong ability to represent an organization with governing bodies, regulatory agencies, business partners, and community stakeholders.
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the Airport Chief Officer in leading and managing programs, functions, and initiatives to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Federal, State, Local, and industry regulations.
• Assist with preparing, presenting, and monitoring the department budget, and ensure divisions operate within their appropriated budgets.
• Develop, revise, and implement standard operating practices, policies, and procedures governing programs and department activities.
• Represent the department to boards and commissions, City departments, City Council, outside agencies, and the community.
• Coordinate departmental activities and programs with other City departments, agencies, and service providers.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from internal and external sources.
• Determine goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within assigned divisions.
• Monitor industry trends and implement best practices.
• Assume Airport Chief Officer duties and responsibilities in the Chief Officer’s absence.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for airport operational readiness, activation, transition, and customer experience.
• Oversee two direct reports and more than 50 staff.
• Lead supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal.
• Represent the organization with governing bodies, regulatory agencies, business partners, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively, deliver public presentations, and act as corporate spokesperson during incidents involving operations.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan and participation in the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Training opportunities and professional development.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs and mental health support.
• Access to on-site fitness centers.
• Sustainable transportation options, including public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive