Director, Airport Operations

About the role

You will lead and oversee the day-to-day operations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

Experienced – Eight (8) years of experience in commercial airport or airline operations and three (3) years of experience supervising staff and a function of operations.

Desired – 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, and/or Incident Command System (ICS) training or certifications.

Qualifications

Committed to Equity – Apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.

Skills

Leader – 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.

Operational Savviness – Understanding of complex regulated operational environments, anticipating issues, optimizing resources, and maintaining seamless daily operations. Strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic priorities.

Effective Communicator – Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Collaborator – 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.

Benefits

Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.

Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.

Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.

Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.

Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port’s employment.

Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.

Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.

Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. Actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.

Work-Life Balance – Resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.

Mission Driven – Focus together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Pay

Minimum Salary: $230,848.00

Maximum Salary: $312,324.00