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Airport Security Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Covenant

AIRPORT SECURITY SCREENER

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$24.35/hr

... airport patrols, access control, air carrier security services, and more. Covenant Aviation ... Verifying necessary documentation for transportation of goods as directed by the customer, CAS, or ...

Covenant

AIRPORT SECURITY SCREENER

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$23.55 - $24.65/hr

... directed by the customer, CAS, or the Transportation Security Administration Prevention of ... airport authority Must be able to pass pre-employment/annual/random drug screenings Must have ...

covenant

AIRPORT SECURITY SCREENER

Franklin Park, IL

$24.35 - $25.49/hr

Verifying necessary documentation for transportation of goods as directed by the customer, CAS, or ... Must be able to pass a Security Background Check as administered by the local airport authority

Covenant

AIRPORT SECURITY GUARD

Oakland, CA · On-site

$23.76/hr

We are currently seeking a Security Guard for the Oakland Airport, available to start as soon as ... flow / directing traffic, including commercial / ground transportation vehicles Providing foot ...

American Dream

Security Director

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues. * Proven experience leading large ...

Mall of America

Security Director

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

$120K/yr

Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive security management experience, preferably in retail, shopping centers, hospitality, airports, stadiums, or large public venues. * Proven experience leading large ...

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$167K

How much do airport security director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for airport security director in the United States is $104,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of an airport security director?

An Airport Security Director oversees all security operations within the airport, including supervising security staff, coordinating emergency response procedures, and ensuring compliance with federal and local regulations. They routinely review and update security protocols, liaise with law enforcement and government agencies, and investigate any security breaches or incidents. Directors also conduct regular training sessions for security personnel, perform risk assessments, and manage budgets and resources. This role requires balancing administrative duties with hands-on leadership to ensure both passenger safety and efficient airport operations.

Is an airport security director a stressful job?

An airport security director oversees security operations at an airport, which can be stressful due to the responsibility for safety, security protocols, and managing staff. The role often involves long hours, high-pressure decision-making, and compliance with strict regulations, contributing to job stress.

What does an airport security director do?

An Airport Security Director is responsible for overseeing all security operations at an airport to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and facilities. They develop and enforce security policies, coordinate with law enforcement agencies, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Additionally, they manage security personnel, conduct risk assessments, and respond to security incidents. Their goal is to prevent threats such as terrorism, unauthorized access, and other security risks while maintaining efficient airport operations.

How do you become an airport security director?

To become an airport security director, candidates typically need several years of experience in security or law enforcement, along with a thorough understanding of airport operations and security protocols. A relevant bachelor's degree and certifications such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certifications or other security credentials are often required. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of security technology are also important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the airport security director position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Airport Security Director, you need extensive knowledge of security operations, risk management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field. Familiarity with security screening technologies, incident management systems, and certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) are often required. Strong leadership, crisis management, and effective communication skills help set successful directors apart. These competencies are essential for ensuring airport safety, meeting regulatory requirements, and leading large teams in high-pressure environments.

What cities are hiring for Airport Security Director jobs? Cities with the most Airport Security Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Security jobs? The most popular types of Airport Security jobs are:
What states have the most Airport Security Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Airport Security Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Airport Security Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Airport Security Director jobs are:
Airport Security Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Airport Security Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,452 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Division Chief, Special Operations - Airport Security & Training

Indianapolis Airport Authority

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

  • #1 Airport in North America and Indiana Chamber's Best Places to Work!
  • Paid Childcare Reimbursements up to $10k/year, per child.
  • Paid Tuition Assistance up to $5,250/year
  • Generous Medical, Dental, Vision and RX
  • Free Healthcare through Marathon Health
  • Pet Insurance
  • Up to 5% Match Retirement Plan
  • Generous Paid Time Off Programs & MORE!

The Division Chief, Special Operations - Airport Security & Training is a civilian role with leadership responsibilities overseeing security, operational development, and training functions within the IAA Department of Public Safety. This role ensures the coordination, integration, and performance of security operations, training programs, and operational support functions across Airport Police, Airport Fire Department, Security Operations, Communications Center, and Airport Operations.
A critical function of this role is to design, implement, and sustain a comprehensive public safety workforce pipeline program that supports long-term workforce development and succession planning. This includes recruiting entry-level candidates into Public Safety Officer (PSO) roles and providing structured training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional development pathways that prepare employees to transition into certified roles within law enforcement, fire services, and other specialized public safety disciplines.
This position supports compliance with all applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directives, while advancing a unified, intelligence-driven, and risk-based security posture. The role serves as a key integrator of operational readiness and data-driven decision-making and reports directly to the Deputy Senior Director of Public Safety.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Operational Integration & Oversight
  • Lead and manage public safety operational security, training, and pipeline development functions.
  • Coordinate cross-functional activities between IAA Airport Police Department, Airport Fire Department, Airport Security Operations (badging, access control, screening coordination), Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch), and Airport Operations.
  • Ensure operational alignment with the Airport Security Program (ASP) and TSA regulatory framework (49 CFR Part 1542).
  • Support incident command integration consistent with NIMS/ICS principles.

TSA Compliance & Security Program Management
  • Ensure adherence to TSA-mandated security requirements, including access control systems, Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA), credentialing and badging compliance, and security incident reporting and response protocols.
  • Partner with the Federal Security Director (FSD) and TSA representatives on audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
  • Assist in maintaining and updating the Airport Security Program (ASP) and associated security directives.

Training, Exercises & Readiness Coordination
  • Oversee and coordinate multi-agency training programs across police, fire, communications, and operations divisions.
  • Ensure compliance with TSA-required training (e.g., SIDA training, security awareness) and emergency preparedness standards.
  • Lead the planning and execution of full-scale emergency exercises (per TSA/FAA requirements), tabletop and functional exercises, and active threat and incident response drills.
  • Maintain training records, compliance tracking, and readiness metrics.

Data Analytics & Performance Management
  • Establish a centralized data and analytics function for Public Safety operations.
  • Develop and manage dashboards tracking security incidents and breaches, response times and dispatch performance, access control violations, and training compliance rates.
  • Utilize predictive and trend analysis to identify risks and improve operational effectiveness.
  • Deliver executive-level reports to IAA leadership and support strategic planning initiatives.

Interagency Coordination & Communication
  • Serve as the operational liaison across all public safety and airport operational divisions.
  • Strengthen coordination between internal stakeholders and external partners, including TSA, airlines and tenants, and local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Promote unified communication protocols during routine operations and emergency incidents.

Leadership & Strategic Initiatives
  • Provide oversight and direction to direct reports.
    • Coach, counsel, mentor and develop direct reports, including oversight of performance reviews and providing career development planning and opportunities.
    • Empower direct reports to take responsibility for their job and goals, delegating responsibility and expecting regular feedback and accountability.
    • Lead direct reports to regularly exercise the organizations five (5) Strategic Pillars of Customer Service, Economic Development, Stability & Sustainability, Workforce Development and Community Engagement.
  • Develops, implements, and grows a public safety workforce pipeline program by recruiting entry-level candidates into Public Safety Officer (PSO) roles and providing structured training, hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development pathways to transition employees into certified positions within law enforcement, fire services, and related public safety disciplines.
  • Supervise operational staff and analysts supporting security operations and communications.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including technology implementation (e.g., access control systems, CAD, analytics platforms).
  • Support the Deputy Senior Director in strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, or related field (required)
  • Master's degree (preferred)

Experience
  • Five to seven plus (5-7+) years of leadership experience in airport operations, aviation security, emergency management, or public safety coordination
  • Five to seven plus (5-7+) years of experience managing people
  • Demonstrated experience working within TSA-regulated environments (Part 1542 preferred)
  • Experience coordinating multi-agency operations and training programs
  • Strong background in operational analytics and performance management

Preferred Certifications
  • Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
  • Airport Certified Employee (ACE - Security or Operations)
  • FEMA ICS/NIMS (100, 200, 300, 400)

Key Competencies
  • TSA regulatory knowledge (49 CFR Part 1542, ASP compliance)
  • Multi-agency coordination and unified command integration
  • Data-driven decision-making and analytics leadership
  • Executive communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Operational risk management and security planning

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Physical demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to walk, sit, use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, balance, stop, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25+ pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by the position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license. Use of a computer and other personal assistance devices (tablets or mobile phone) are a must for this position.

  • Work environment: This position is performed within an office environment approximately 80-90% of the time. The other 10-20% the employee could be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. With multiple worksites the noise level varies from the office environment and the outside environment. The incumbent in this position is expected to work independently and as part of the team.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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