Director, Airport Operations

Port of Seattle•SeaTac, WA

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Director, Airport Operations, you will lead and oversee the day-to-day operations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). You will ensure safe, secure, efficient, and customer-focused operations across the airfield, terminal, landside, Airport Communications Center (ACC), operational readiness and activation (ORAT), air cargo operations, and operational safety programs. You will support Aviation Division objectives through operational planning, implementation of operational initiatives, development of operational procedures, and coordination of operational activities across Airport Operations functions. You will identify and implement operational efficiencies, process improvements, and service enhancements while maintaining operational effectiveness. You will lead a large, multi-functional operational workforce, and be responsible for leadership, coaching, performance management, staffing plans, and succession planning. You will develop and manage departmental operating budgets, staffing plans, operational contracts, and resource allocation. You will ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 requirements, airport certification standards, Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, and all applicable operational regulations and procedures. You will maintain strong working relationships with airlines, FAA, Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), emergency response agencies, tenants, contractors, and other airport stakeholders. You will also coordinate operational activities and represent Airport Operations in internal and external operational forums and meetings. You will support implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) principles, operational audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action programs. You also will collaborate closely with the Port’s Health and Safety leadership to ensure alignment on programs, compliance requirements, and operational priorities. You will oversee terminal and landside operational performance, including passenger flow, curbside operations, public parking, employee parking, ground transportation systems, transit operations, traffic management, and operational coordination with airlines, tenants, and service providers. You will lead operational response and coordination during irregular operations (IROPs), emergencies, severe weather events, security incidents, operational disruptions, and other time-sensitive operational events. You will ensure timely operational decision-making, stakeholder coordination, and effective communication across airport partners and operational departments. You will oversee operational readiness planning and activation activities associated with capital projects, operational changes, construction activities and facility transitions. Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here. Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

Requirements

Eight (8) years of experience in commercial airport or airline operations.
Three (3) years of experience supervising staff and a function of operations.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one.
Establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of hire and maintain it during employment.
Pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
Pass a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Obtain a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance.
Obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.
Advanced leadership skills, with the ability to lead teams and influence others at all levels of the organization.
Strong understanding of organizational structure, culture, and political dynamics to effectively navigate decision-making channels to advance strategic priorities.
Understanding of complex regulated operational environments and anticipate issues, optimize resources, and maintain seamless daily operations.
Ability to navigate a high‑stakes, 24/7 airport ecosystem with strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and an ability to balance immediate operational needs with long‑term strategic priorities.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work with diverse internal and external stakeholders at various levels of the organization to build relationships while providing excellent guidance and customer service.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, transportation, or other closely related field.
American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) or Airport Council International (ACI) professional certifications.
Incident Command System (ICS) training or certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Ensure safe, secure, efficient, and customer-focused operations across the airfield, terminal, landside, Airport Communications Center (ACC), operational readiness and activation (ORAT), air cargo operations, and operational safety programs.
Support Aviation Division objectives through operational planning, implementation of operational initiatives, development of operational procedures, and coordination of operational activities across Airport Operations functions.
Identify and implement operational efficiencies, process improvements, and service enhancements while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Lead a large, multi-functional operational workforce, and be responsible for leadership, coaching, performance management, staffing plans, and succession planning.
Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, staffing plans, operational contracts, and resource allocation.
Ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 requirements, airport certification standards, Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, and all applicable operational regulations and procedures.
Maintain strong working relationships with airlines, FAA, Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), emergency response agencies, tenants, contractors, and other airport stakeholders.
Coordinate operational activities and represent Airport Operations in internal and external operational forums and meetings.
Support implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) principles, operational audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action programs.
Collaborate closely with the Port’s Health and Safety leadership to ensure alignment on programs, compliance requirements, and operational priorities.
Oversee terminal and landside operational performance, including passenger flow, curbside operations, public parking, employee parking, ground transportation systems, transit operations, traffic management, and operational coordination with airlines, tenants, and service providers.
Lead operational response and coordination during irregular operations (IROPs), emergencies, severe weather events, security incidents, operational disruptions, and other time-sensitive operational events.
Ensure timely operational decision-making, stakeholder coordination, and effective communication across airport partners and operational departments.
Oversee operational readiness planning and activation activities associated with capital projects, operational changes, construction activities and facility transitions.