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Director Airport Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role The Director of Airport Operations provides strategic leadership for airport operations across the JSX network, ensuring stations consistently deliver safe, reliable, and hospitality ...

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Director Airport Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director airport operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for director airport operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Airport Operations, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Airport Operations often encounters challenges such as coordinating multiple departments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing unexpected disruptions like severe weather or security incidents. Effective communication and strong leadership are key to addressing these issues, as is staying updated on industry regulations and best practices. Building strong relationships with airlines, government agencies, and airport staff helps foster a collaborative environment, which is essential for smooth operations and effective problem-solving.

What are Director Airport Operations?

A Director of Airport Operations is a senior management professional responsible for overseeing the daily functioning and strategic planning of airport activities. Their duties often include ensuring compliance with safety regulations, coordinating with airlines and governmental agencies, managing staff, and optimizing passenger and cargo flows. They strive to maintain efficient airport operations while enhancing the customer experience and responding to emergencies or operational disruptions. Directors also play a key role in budget management and implementing new technologies or processes to improve airport services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Airport Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Airport Operations, you need extensive knowledge of airport management, regulatory compliance, and safety standards, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in aviation management or a related field. Familiarity with airport operations management systems (AOMS), FAA regulations, and incident response protocols is crucial, and professional certifications such as AAAE's Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) are often preferred. Strong leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with airlines, government agencies, and service providers. These competencies are vital to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient airport operations while meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining operational excellence.

What is the difference between Director Airport Operations vs Airport Operations Manager?

AspectDirector Airport OperationsAirport Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall airport operations, strategic planning, and policy implementationManages daily airport activities, staff, and operational procedures
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in aviation, transportation, or related field; extensive experience in airport operationsUsually requires a bachelor's degree and experience in airport or transportation operations
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, overseeing multiple departmentsOperational setting, managing teams and daily activities
Industry UsageCommonly used in large airports and organizationsUsed across various airport sizes for operational management

The main difference between a Director Airport Operations and an Airport Operations Manager lies in scope and seniority. The director focuses on strategic oversight and policy, while the manager handles daily operations. Both roles require relevant experience and credentials, but the director's role is broader and more strategic.

What cities are hiring for Director Airport Operations jobs? Cities with the most Director Airport Operations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Airport Operations jobs? The most popular types of Airport Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Director Airport Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Airport Operations jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Airport Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

CLASS SUMMARY

Responsible for directing Airport Operations, Airport Safety and the Airport Operations Center (AOC) at CVG Airport. This position oversees the day-to-day safety and efficiency of airside, terminal and landside operations and establishes strategic direction to prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover from incidents or emergencies that have or could have the potential to interrupt business operations. Works in a regularly scheduled shift work and unscheduled after hours work and is subject to emergency re-call as part of routine duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Ensures compliance with all pertinent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations through the implementation and upkeep of Airport Certification Manual, Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, Snow and Ice Control Plan, Airport Emergency Plan and Surface Movement Guidance Control System Plan.
  • Ensures compliance with Airport security policies (non-law enforcement) with respect to the requirements of TSR 1542.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of all environmental guidelines and regulations including the Storm Water Pollution Protection (SWPP) Program for the Airport as well as the applicable SPCC plans.
  • Ensures that policies, plans and procedures are accurate, implementable, and well communicated among the Airport, airlines, tenants, and other key stakeholders.
  • Has daily contact and coordinates with Airport departments as well as airlines, ground handling providers, and applicable state and federal agencies, including serving as liaison to the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower and Tech Ops.
  • Establishes and maintains plans for management of irregular occurrences including emergency circumstances.
  • Leads the Airport Snow Team as required during an event ensuring continued regulatory compliance.
  • Serves as a key member of the airportโ€™s incident management team during irregular incident and emergency response
  • Ensures safe and efficient operations of the Airportโ€™s AOC/Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) and compliance with Criminal Justice Information System policies and procedures.
  • Oversees health and safety programs for CVG Airport employees, including safety training and required health and safety monitoring.
  • Oversees the CVG Airport SMS program including FAR 139 inspectable components.
  • Oversees maintenance and operation of the airport's P25 radio system.
  • Oversees the airportโ€™s ramp control operations.
  • Develops annual departmental budgets.
  • Management responsibility to include supervision, delegation and review of assigned work, hiring/terminating, performance appraisals, coaching/counseling, staff development, application of organizational policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for all contract management activities as documented in KCAB Policy 1014, Contract Management. As the subject matter expert responsible for all key aspects of contract management ensuring KCABโ€™s interests are represented in any business activities regarding the agreement. Prepares RFPโ€™s, bid specifications, and negotiates contracts.
  • Evaluates performance of responsible areas through the review of work methods, procedures, and results.
  • Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education: Bachelorโ€™s degree, preferred in related field.

Minimum Years of Direct Experience:ย  10 years and related experience at a FAR 139 commercial service airport.

Minimum Years of Supervisory Experience:ย  5

Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS

Required

  • Maintain Security Identification Display Area Clearance (SIDA)
  • Obtain and maintain position appropriate NIMS & emergency training
  • ASOS Basic and Advanced
  • OSHA 30 hour
  • Valid driver's license

Preferred

  • Professional accreditation through the American Association of Airport Executives or ACI.

Additional Security Levels Required

  • Ability to obtain and maintain position appropriate Federal security clearance.ย 

Airfield Driving

  • This position requires driving on the airfield and airfield ramps.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF

  • Applicable AOC/Airport Operations Systems
  • Management principles and practices
  • Airport operations, policies and procedures
  • Airport safety and security regulations (e.g. 49 CFR Parts 1542, 139)
  • Financial management
  • Contract management
  • Project management
  • Strategic planning

DEMONSTRATED SKILL IN

  • Directing and managing staff efficiently and effectively
  • Comprehending and implementing requirements of complex, technical information
  • Understanding technology and how it should be implemented to improve workflow and communication
  • Clearly and effectively communicating, negotiating and advocating, both orally and in writing
  • Use of a variety of computer-based technologies including word processing, and spreadsheets
  • Establishing and maintaining effective, fair, cooperative, collaborative and respectful relationships with internal and external colleagues, peers, work teams and workgroups
  • Use of independent judgment
  • Team leadership

Why Join Us?

BENEFITS:ย  (Full Time Positions)

  • 100% Employer Paid Health & Wellness Center
  • Comprehensive Insurance Options: Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, including a $0 premium medical plan option and no spousal surcharge
  • CVG CARES: $2,500 employer paid childcare subsidy
  • Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Plans: Employer and employee contributions to KY Public Pension Authority retirement plan
  • KY Deferred Comp Plans: 401(k) and 457 options
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Including 10 holidays a year
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Voluntary Wellness Program: Earn financial incentives and paid time off
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Programs
  • Performance Reward Program (potential to earn up to $2100.00 annually)
  • Onsite Fitness Facilities

Donโ€™t meet every requirement?

If you are excited to make a positive impact for our region, but your experience doesnโ€™t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. ย You may be the right candidate for CVG Airport, whether it be this role or another.