Assistant Director of Airport Security: Badging and Permitting - Denver International Airport

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

6d • $115,683 - $196,661 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the City and County of Denver at Denver International Airport (DEN). DEN is one of the world's busiest airports and a major economic engine for Colorado. The Airport Security section, within the Airport Operations Division, is responsible for critical badging, permitting, and security programs. The Assistant Director of Badging & Permitting (B&P) will play a key role in enhancing customer service, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering strong partnerships within the airport community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex operational programs, high-impact projects, and contracts. They should be adept at delivering a customer-focused service model and advancing security technology solutions to improve compliance, efficiency, and the overall stakeholder experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Business Management, Communications or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressive and supervisory experience in airport operations, airport management, or experience at a commercial airport or a military facility environment at an Administrator or supervisor level or higher.
• One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
• Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
• Requires a valid Driver’s License at the time of application.
• FBI criminal background check is required.
• Employees are required to report any felony convictions and/or moving violations to maintain clearance.
• Valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Security certified and/or a AAAE Certified Member
• Exceptional project management experience, with demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation, change management, and sustained operational results
• Strong expertise in security technology systems, including the ability to evaluate, implement, enhance, and optimize access control, identity management, biometrics, training platforms, and other technology-enabled security solutions
• Demonstrated experience supervising/managing teams in an environment that is regulated by local, state and/or federal requirements
• Extensive experience in contract management and budget oversight, including vendor accountability, service level performance, procurement coordination, and stewardship of operational and capital resources
• Exceptional leadership experience with a proven ability to inspire teams, develop supervisors and staff, drive accountability, navigate change, and build a high-performing, service-oriented culture
• Experience with stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service, with the ability to balance regulatory requirements and operational needs while delivering clear communication, responsiveness, and a positive experience for internal and external stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills, including experience developing metrics and reports
• The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently to diverse internal and external audiences
• Attention to detail, bringing high level precision and organization while ensuring accuracy and consistency across all responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Oversee DEN’s two Badging Offices, ensuring collection of required regulatory information (CHRCs, STAs, FBI Rap Back, citizenship, etc.) for over 40,000 Airport ID badges and vehicle permits annually.
• Serve as a Security Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Identity Management System (IDMS), badging, permitting, and related security programs, representing Airport Security in TSA regulatory meetings, VIP visits, exercises, projects, and stakeholder engagements.
• Partner with DEN Business Technologies to develop and enhance access control systems, IDMS, biometric authentication, computer-based training, and other security-related technology systems.
• Oversee, manage, and enhance DEN’s Authorized Signatory Program for companies operating at DEN.
• Serve as one of two Airport Security unit leaders, overseeing fiscal accountability, section recommendations, O&M and CIP budgeting, fiduciary controls, contract administration, vendor performance, and SLA compliance.
• Develop, implement, and track performance metrics for Airport Security’s Badging and Permitting programs (SIDA badging and training, identity management, vehicle permitting, SAVE, visitor badges, eBadge, digital queue management, violation notices, Authorized Signatory Program) to monitor wait times, throughput, staffing, workload trends, service outcomes, and improvement opportunities.
• Communicate unit decisions, actions, and recommendations to internal and external customers and stakeholders through various channels, promoting professional outreach, responsive customer service, clear service expectations, performance monitoring, and training.
• Advise on, support, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, security directives, applicable laws, and airport security requirements by interpreting and applying CFRs, TSRs, TSA directives, the Airport Security Program, DEN Rules and Regulations, airport policies, Operating Instructions (OIs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and personnel requirements.
• Oversee review, approval, or disqualification of Airport ID badge applicants based on CHRC, FBI Rap Back, and STA results.
• Lead innovation, continuous improvement, and modernization across Badging and Permitting operations by evaluating systems, workflows, service levels, stakeholder needs, and technology-enabled opportunities.
• Promote a high-performing, energized team culture through regular engagement with direct reports, supervisors, and staff, reinforcing accountability, open communication, operational alignment, shared ownership, and two-way feedback.
• Serve as an alternate Airport Security Coordinator (ASC) and liaison with TSA and other federal and local law enforcement agencies.
• Fulfill local and federal security-related data and records requests, including Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests, while protecting Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year
• 12 paid holidays
• 1 personal holiday
• 1 Wellness Day
• 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

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