Airport Director I- Emergency Management

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta's Airport Department seeks an Airport Director of Emergency Management to oversee the Emergency Operations Center, budget, staffing, and strategic goals for the municipal airport. The role directs programs, coordinates with city management, and ensures compliance with federal regulations while delivering high-level emergency planning and safety initiatives.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Airport Management or related field with 5–7 years in senior aviation operations; a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Airport Management, Business Administration or closely related field.
• 5-7 years of Senior Airport/Aviation Operations Management experience.
• Masters degree preferred; equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution.
• GA Certified Emergency Manager within 12 months of employment and IAEM certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes and directs the operation of the Airport Operations Center and the Emergency Operations Center of the Airport Department through subordinate managers and supervisors.
• Establishes departmental goals and evaluates the effectiveness of work processes, systems, and procedures.
• Ensures efficient operations of all units in the Emergency Management bureau to meet performance metrics and quality services.
• Ensures establishment and maintenance of an emergency management training calendar that delivers quality training to internal DOA staff and airport stakeholders on emergency management processes.
• Directs and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; prepares reports and recommendations concerning budgetary and staff requirements of proposed policies and projects.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Proactively ensures the airport is in compliance with the U.S. Federal regulations; interprets applicable laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance.
• Identifies and spearheads the development of technologies, procedures and regulations to improve safety, efficiency, and customer service and safety.
• Reviews, analyzes, and make recommendations concerning airport incidents and reporting processes.
• Promotes Safety through Airport Emergency Planning, Airport Safety, Customer Service, and Construction plans reviews.

Skills

Emergency management

Budget oversight

Staff supervision

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Airport Management

Master’s degree in Emergency & Disaster Management

Job description

Job Description

Salary range:$107,271-$146,800

Posting expires: November 2, 2026

General Description And Classification Standards

Under the direction of the Assistant General Manager of Emergency Management, the Airport Director of Emergency management directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the programs and operations of the airport emergency management program. The Airport Director of Emergency Management has broad responsibility for the overall emergency management program to include, staffing, budgeting and that support operations of the municipal airport, and the creation and attainment of departmental goals and performance objectives. This is a high level of strategic and operations management position. The position manages a primary function of the department and recommends operating policy and procedure subject to department executive approval. This level would be expected to manage either a varied array of professionals and manager. This is NOT a routine promotional level and the specific justification for classification at this level must be documented.

Supervision Received

This position works independently and attends regular meetings with senior management. Routinely collaborates with managers and other directors to accomplish common goals. Direction received is very general and focuses more on long-term and short-term operating objectives.

Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Plans, organizes and directs the operation of the Airport Operations Center and the Emergency Operations Center of the Airport Department through subordinate managers and supervisors; reviews recommendations and actions of subordinates; and resolves issues within various group and stakeholders.
• Establishes departmental goals and evaluates the effectiveness of work processes, systems, and procedures. Works with community representatives, City management, and staff to establish departmental goals, objectives and service needs; initiates meetings and focus groups to identify work plans and priorities, and potential solutions to issues.
• Ensures efficient operations of all units in the Emergency Management bureau to meet performance metrics and quality services.
• Ensures establishment and maintenance of an emergency management training calendar that delivers quality training to internal DOA staff and airport stakeholders on emergency management processes.
• Directs and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; prepares reports and recommendations concerning budgetary and staff requirements of proposed policies and projects, including operating expenditures, capital outlays, construction programs; and conformance with planned costs.
• Provides exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
• Proactively ensures the airport is in compliance with the U.S. Federal regulations; interprets applicable laws, regulations, and policies to ensure compliance.
• Identifies and spearheads the development of technologies, procedures and regulations to improve safety, efficiency, and customer service and safety,
• Reviews, analyzes, and make recommendations concerning airport incidents and reporting processes.
• Promotes Safety through Airport Emergency Planning, Airport Safety, Customer Service, and Construction plans reviews.

Decision Making

Decisions are made in response to various requests from airport tenants (airlines, concession vendors, FAA, etc.,) that may have an impact on airport operations. Construction and maintenance projects are also reviewed and decisions must be made to ensure safety, efficiency, and customer service is not adversely impacted,

Establishes organization strategy and policy within required legislative or executive limitations

Leadership Provided

Collaborates with other entities to provide direction in shaping policies used throughout the U.S. and other countries. Provides guidance and mentoring to a varied group of Managers and Supervisors or may directly supervise a staff of professionals and team leaders engaged in an organization-wide or policy-advisory activity. Guidance should typically be general in nature and focus on objectives, end results, and policies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Thorough knowledge of the Airport and Aviation operations, principles, and practices relating to risk management, security, safety, and fire protection; Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory management; Through knowledge of emergency management practices and processes; Thorough knowledge of the methods and practices employed in directing and supervising service personnel and operations.
• Skilled in solving complex problems; excellent verbal and written communication skills; skilled in operating and maintaining a variety of aircraft and airport equipment; skilled in preparing clear and concise administrative and financial reports; skilled in researching, analyzing, and evaluating new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Ability to lead a competent, professional team with a management style that encourages and solicits staff participation; ability to operate aircraft radio equipment and communicate clearly and concisely in a pressure-filled, challenging environment; ability to plan, develop, and conduct training programs; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, supervisors, employees, and the general public; ability to conduct detailed analytical evaluations and studies as they relate to federal regulations; ability to prepare reports and recommendations; ability to write, review, and administer contracts for Airport construction, repairs, and services.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Airport Management, Business Administration or closely related field. 5-7 years of Senior Airport/Aviation Operations Management experience or related position at a domestic/large hub airport.

Preferred Education & Experience

Masters degree in Emergency and Disaster Management, Airport Management, Business Administration or closely related field. (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the master’s degree on an exception basis) and 8 - 10 years' of Senior Airport/Aviation Operations Management experience or related position at a domestic/large hub airport.

Licensures and Certifications

• GA Certified Emergency Manager within 12 months of employment
• IAEM Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) preferred

Essential Capabilities And Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.