Chicago Dept. of Aviation- General Manager of Airport Operations

Airport Minority Advisory Council • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chicago Department of Aviation is seeking a General Manager of Airport Operations for Midway International Airport. This exempt position is responsible for the daily oversight, coordination, and strategic management of Airside Operations, safety compliance, training, and operational readiness programs. The role involves directing and supervising operational staff, ensuring compliance with various regulations, overseeing training programs, coordinating daily operational activities, reviewing operational reports, and serving as a liaison with key stakeholders. The General Manager also assists executive leadership in strategic planning, budget administration, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Requirements

• Nine (9) years of airport or airfield operations work experience, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, or a directly related field, PLUS seven (7) years of airport or airfield operations work experience, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, or a directly related field, PLUS five (5) years of airport or airfield operations work experience, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Business Administration, Aviation Management, or a directly related field, PLUS four (4) years of airport or airfield operations work experience, of which three (3) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.
• A valid State of Illinois driver's license is required
• Must obtain airfield certification within six months of hire

Nice To Haves

• Must be flexible to work outside of regular Business Hours
• Must be flexible for early and/or late meetings and weekends.
• This is a 24/7 on-call operation, based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the daily oversight, coordination, and strategic management of Airside Operations, safety compliance, training, and operational readiness programs at Midway International Airport.
• Directs and supervises operational staff, quality assurance personnel, and training coordinators to ensure compliance with FAA Part 139 requirements, airport certification standards, TSA regulations, City policies, and departmental procedures.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of airfield training, movement area driver qualification programs, QA/QC inspections, and runway incursion prevention initiatives.
• Coordinates daily operational activities involving construction, emergency response, snow and ice control, airfield inspections, and stakeholder communications to maintain safe and efficient airport operations.
• Review operational reports, incident investigations, and compliance audits while developing corrective action plans and operational improvements.
• Serves as the primary liaison with FAA personnel, airlines, contractors, tenants, and other governmental agencies regarding operational and safety matters.
• Assists executive leadership in strategic planning, budget administration, staffing development, operational policy implementation, and long-term infrastructure planning to support airport operational continuity and safety objectives.

Benefits

• The City of Chicago is committed to providing fair chance hiring and welcomes applicants with past convictions, recognizing the value of a diverse workforce and the potential for growth and positive change.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree