Assistant Director Aviation Security Operations

Massachusetts Port Authority; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 166,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work/life balance

Opportunities for growth

Safe, healthy, and secure work environ

Supportive and inclusive culture

Protecting the environment

Job summary

Massachusetts Port Authority seeks an Assistant Director, Aviation Security Operations to lead TSA-approved programs, ensuring ASP compliance and strong collaboration across agencies and airport stakeholders. You will guide staff, set operational priorities, and drive improvements through audits, risk assessments, and metrics.

You will champion security innovations, align plans with Massport objectives, and support safe, efficient aviation operations at BOS, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or related field.
• 10 years of experience in Homeland Security or Aviation Security with at least 5 years in supervision.
• Working knowledge of TSA regulations 1540, 1542, 129 and ICAO standards.
• Experience with senior aviation officials, federal/state/local law enforcement, and airport tenants.

Responsibilities

• Lead TSA-approved aviation security programs and ensure ASP and 49 CFR Part 1542 compliance across Massport airports.
• Foster collaboration among law enforcement, authorities, airport operators, tenants, and internal units for security operations and incident response.
• Provide leadership to Aviation Security personnel, set priorities, evaluate performance, and drive improvements via audits and risk assessments.
• Champion security innovation and align security plans with Massport business objectives and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Data analysis

Risk assessments

Performance metrics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or related field

Job description

The Massachusetts Port Authority is Going Above and Beyond for your career. We are a dynamic organization that connects people and businesses to the global community by air, land, and sea. Our employees are essential in moving planes, cargo, and cruise ships safely, efficiently, and sustainably. We are an economic engine, managing real estate assets where people live, work, and play. Together, the properties we own and operate generate $20 billion for the region’s economy.

Massport’s Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) serves as a vibrant gateway to New England and beyond, seamlessly connecting global travelers and ensuring the satisfaction of millions. Driven by a steadfast commitment to safety and security, environmental stewardship, convenience, and exceptional customer service, we take pride in fostering meaningful connections between people, cultures, and opportunities. Through innovative collaboration, embracing sustainability, and serving as an economic catalyst for our communities, we cultivate a thriving and welcoming hub that fuels the growth and prosperity of our region.

ABOUT YOU

As an Assistant Director, Aviation Security Operations, you bring a strong sense of responsibility to protecting people, assets, and operations, combining deep regulatory knowledge with sound judgment to navigate complex environments. You think strategically, act decisively under pressure, and build trust across agencies and teams while safeguarding sensitive information with absolute integrity. Your leadership inspires accountability and collaboration, and your analytical mindset drives continuous improvement through data and best practices. Adaptable and resilient, you communicate with clarity, embrace innovation, and balance security imperatives with operational efficiency to ensure safe, seamless aviation experiences.

What you will do:

• Lead the implementation, administration, and continuous enhancement of TSA-approved aviation security programs, ensuring full compliance with Airport Security Program (ASP) requirements, 49 CFR Part 1542, Security Directives, and all applicable federal, state, and Massport regulations while maintaining operational readiness across Logan International Airport, Hanscom Field, and Worcester Regional Airport.
• Foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies, regulatory authorities, airport operators, emergency response organizations, tenants, and internal business units to coordinate security operations, support incident response, facilitate regulatory engagement, manage VIP and special event activities, and ensure the safe, secure, and efficient operation of Massport aviation facilities.
• Provide leadership and oversight to Aviation Security personnel by developing staff capabilities, establishing operational priorities, evaluating performance, improving procedures, and driving organizational effectiveness through security audits, compliance inspections, risk assessments, performance metrics, data-driven analysis, and implementation of industry best practices.
• Champion security innovation, resilience, and continuous improvement by developing security plans, advancing physical and operational security initiatives, evaluating emerging risks and threats, supporting technology enhancements, strengthening regulatory compliance programs, and aligning aviation security strategies with Massport's business objectives, industry standards, and evolving transportation security requirements.

What you offer:

• Bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or related field.
• 10 years of experience in Homeland Security or Aviation Security, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience in public safety and security at a major airport preferred.
• Working knowledge of TSA regulations governing provision of public safety and security issues, specifically parts 1540, 1542, 129, 139 and ICAO standards.
• Demonstrated skills in working with senior aviation officials, federal, state and local law enforcement officials, and airport tenants preferred.
  

WHAT WE OFFER

Collaboration with colleagues at all levels of leadership from all different disciplines, from Aviation to Maritime and beyond. Every day is different at Massport and the breadth of our impact on the Massachusetts region through our facilities provides many opportunities for our employees to grow, learn, and explore the many areas of our business. Our business is all about connecting. We support and take pride in the employees that make those connections possible each and every day.

• Work/life balance
• A supportive and inclusive culture
• Opportunities for growth
• Providing safe, healthy, and secure work environment
• Supporting the people and businesses of New England
• Achieving results and having positive impact
• Being good neighbors in the communities we serve
• Protecting the environment
  

The salary range for this position is $145,000 to $165,910 annually and will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, training, specialized skills, and overall qualifications.