Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Security

City of Austin

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Airport Deputy Chief Officer of Security provides strategic leadership and oversight for Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s security program, operating with a high level of autonomy and reporting to the Airport Chief Operating Officer. The position manages the airport’s daily security function, ensures compliance with applicable aviation laws and regulations, coordinates with the Transportation Security Administration and public safety agencies, supports airport infrastructure planning, and maintains effective relationships with tenants, City departments, the public, contractors, and regulatory agencies. The role supports the Airport Chief Officer in leading airport programs and initiatives; plans and implements strategies, policies, and procedures; oversees budget preparation and division resources; represents the department to City bodies, agencies, and the community; resolves sensitive issues; and assumes the Airport Chief Officer’s duties when needed. It also carries full supervisory responsibility, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal. The position is based on-site at the AUS Administrative Building in Austin, Texas. The stated schedule is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with hours subject to variation based on business needs. The City offers health and welfare benefits, paid leave, retirement, training, wellness, and professional development opportunities.

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 budget development and preparation.
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 and efficient short- and long-term strategies and programs for a large, complex organization.
Ability to coordinate across City departments and internal business units to meet goals and objectives.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, deliver public presentations, and serve as corporate spokesperson during operational incidents.
A master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
Top candidate must undergo a minimum 10-year criminal background check and security threat assessment.
A detailed online employment application, resume, and cover letter are required.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading and managing complex airport security operations, setting organizational priorities, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with airport stakeholders, regulatory agencies, law enforcement partners, executive leadership, community organizations, and elected officials.
Strong conflict-resolution, negotiation, and facilitation skills, including success navigating complex operational challenges and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Significant leadership or management experience at a medium- or large-hub commercial service airport.
Experience overseeing security operations during major airport capital improvement, construction, and expansion programs while maintaining regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and effective security measures.
Experience managing large, diverse, multi-shift, and multi-site operational teams in a complex airport environment.
Experience overseeing security-related emergency preparedness, incident management, business continuity, and coordinated responses to operational disruptions.
Forward-thinking, flexible leadership; strong people leadership and strategic thinking; and a commitment to a positive, collaborative, and productive work environment.
Core competencies include exceptional leadership, operational and technical acumen, analytical and strategic thinking, agility, customer focus, inclusive-workspace leadership, business ethics, and a boundary-less perspective.

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 in preparing, presenting, and monitoring the department budget, and ensure divisions operate within appropriated budgets.
Develop, revise, and implement standard operating practices, policies, and procedures for 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.
Manage the daily security function of AUS and provide strategic leadership and oversight for the airport security program.
Coordinate with the TSA and public safety agencies, and support short- and long-range airport infrastructure planning.
Supervise employees, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendations for dismissal.