Airport Deputy Chief Officer - Security

Water Otter Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport seeks an Airport Deputy Chief Officer of Security to lead and coordinate security programs across divisions. You will develop long-range strategies, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee budgeting with city aviation leadership.

This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to act as a spokesperson during incidents. Responsibilities include directing programs, mentoring staff, and aligning security operations with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and significant leadership experience in security or aviation operations.
• Experience with budgeting, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and public officials.

Responsibilities

• Develops and coordinates security programs and initiatives for multiple divisions.
• Leads short- and long-range planning, policies, and priorities.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, Local, and industry regulations.
• Oversees department budgeting and ensures operations stay within budget.
• Represents the department to boards, city departments, and external agencies.
• Responds to inquiries and resolves issues from internal and external sources.
• Monitors industry trends and implements best practices.
• Acts as Airport Chief Officer in their absence.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Budgeting

Public speaking

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration or Aviation Management

Job description

Job Description

About This Position

About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation. The airport is self-sustaining and generates revenue to cover operating costs. What was once the site for the Bergstrom Air Force Base, the federally owned property was transformed into a commercial airport with the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on May 23, 1999, replacing the former, smaller Austin Robert Mueller Municipal airport.

Since then, AUS has connected more Austin and Central Texas travelers to the world all while providing a uniquely authentic Austin experience to every customer that travels through the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Known for live music, local concession brands, and Texas hospitality, AUS prides itself on reflecting the culture and values of the community it serves.

In 2023, AUS served a record-breaking 22 million annual passengers, more than a quarter percent increase in total annual travelers since the world's pre-pandemic benchmark year of 2019. To address the rapid pace of passenger and airline activity, AUS has launched the Journey With AUS airport expansion and development program, multi-year capital improvement and development effort that will improve and modernize AUS facilities in the near-term and for generations to come.

Airport Deputy Chief Officer of Security

Purpose:

Under nominal direction of an Airport Chief Officer, this position is responsible for developing, planning, and coordinating work activities of multiple functional areas of the airport.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

• Supports the Airport Chief Officer in leading and managing programs, functions, and initiatives to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
• Develops and implements short- and long-range strategies, objectives, policies, and priorities.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, Local, and industry regulations.
• Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of the department budget and ensures divisions operate within appropriated budget.
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures governing the programs and department activities.
• Acts as official departmental representative to boards and commissions, City departments, City Council, outside agencies, and the community.
• Coordinates departmental activities and programs with other City departments, agencies, and service providers.
• Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries, complaints, and issues from both internal and external sources.
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the assigned divisions.
• Monitors industry trends and implements best practices.
• Assumes Airport Chief Officer duties and responsibilities in their absence.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting the airport.
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, organizational change strategies, and performance measurement to achieve business excellence.
• Skill in fiscal planning and developing and preparing budgets.
• Skill in managing and allocating financial and human resources to execute operational and business plans.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, City Council, media, and the public.
• Skill in leading and managing a diverse workforce including department employees and contractors in an airport environment.
• Ability to design short- and long-term strategies/programs that are scalable and efficient in a large and complex organization.
• Ability to work with and coordinate between multiple City departments and internal business units to meet goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, develop and deliver public presentations, and act as the corporate spokesperson when incidents involving operations occur.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business, Public Administration, Business or Aviation Management, Accounting/Finance, Engineering, or a related field, plus six (6) years of related experience, including two (2) years of which were in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing complex airport security operations, setting organizational priorities, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with airport stakeholders, regulatory agencies, law enforcement partners, executive leadership, community organizations, and elected officials.
• Strong conflict resolution, negotiation, and facilitation skills, with demonstrated success navigating complex operational challenges, resolving competing priorities, and building consensus among diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Significant leadership or management experience at a medium- or large-hub commercial service airport.
• Extensive experience overseeing security operations associated with major airport capital improvement, construction, and expansion programs, including maintaining regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and effective security measures throughout construction activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, diverse, multi-shift, and multi-site operational teams within a complex airport environment.