Manager, Aviation Security Programs, Office of the Chief Security Officer

Jointheportauthority; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 213,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is seeking a Manager of Aviation Security Programs to lead the Central Office Security Operations Department’s Aviation Security unit at the World Trade Center. You will guide staff, oversee risk-based programs, and coordinate security initiatives across PA facilities.

Responsibilities include SOP updates, SIDA credentialing oversight, contract management, and collaboration with TSA and other agencies. Remote work limited to one day/week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aviation security, public safety, homeland security, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible managerial experience.
• Ability to obtain TSA secret security clearance after hiring.
• Ability to report to all PA airports and facilities.
• Experience in aviation security, airport security, or related field.
• Knowledge of TSA Security Regulations 49 CFR 1540, 1542, 1544.
• Strong oral and written communication and presentations skills.
• Proven leadership and staff guidance experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Manage the Central Office Aviation Security unit and oversee PA Aviation Security initiatives.
• Lead and develop staff, oversee day-to-day operations, and drive PA initiatives.
• Review and enhance SOPs to ensure compliance with regulations and PA standards.
• Oversee SIDA credentialing program at PA airports and prepare executive presentations.
• Coordinate with TSA, PAPD, and other agencies on security planning and projects.
• Adjudicate SIDA appeals and guide credentialing staff on CHRCs.
• Support contract administration, budgets, and project timelines.
• Maintain the aviation security business plan and respond to risk assessments.

Skills

Aviation security

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aviation security or related field

Tools

Security software systems

Job description

Description

About the Role

NOTE: The selected candidate will be required to pass a PAPD background check.

Under the direction of the Assistant Director, Aviation Security, in the Office of the Chief Security Officer, the Manager of Aviation Security Programs will manage the Central Office Security Operations Department (SOD) Aviation Security unit at the World Trade Center and provide oversight of all programs, activities and functions carried out by the Unit. This position provides programmatic guidance and leadership to central and facility Aviation Security staff in strategic planning, analysis, review, implementation, management and operation of risk-based programs that will strengthen the security posture and improve the risk profile of Port Authority (PA) airports. In the absence of the Assistant Director, Aviation Security, the Manager of Aviation Security Programs will assume oversight and management of the Aviation Security Unit.

Responsibilities

This position is responsible for several functions, including, but not limited to:

• Manage the Central Office Aviation Security unit and provide oversight of the Aviation Security portfolio of initiatives (operating, capital, and policy), providing guidance and direction to staff on the development and implementation of new initiatives as well as the maintenance and augmentation of existing initiatives
• Implement continuous improvements initiatives based on experiences, lessons learned, and the changing threat environment and provide oversight for contract administration, budgets and schedules
• Review, develop, update and enhance Aviation Security standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable aviation security regulations, PA standards and requirements.
• Oversee the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) credentialing program at all PA airports, including the preparation of routine executive presentations
• Preparation and advancement of authorization documents to the Board
• Act as stakeholder liaison for the portfolio of Aviation Security projects, contracts, and initiatives to ensure departmental priorities and other concerns are appropriately addressed by all participants supporting or otherwise interfacing with security service providers, maintenance providers, design teams, PA management staff, airport tenants, as well as city, state and federal agencies.
• Adjudicate SIDA appeals regarding unescorted access denials and revocations in consultation with the Assistant Director, Aviation Security and provide guidance to Credentialing staff regarding Criminal History Records Checks of SIDA Badge applicants
• Manage a workforce with diverse responsibilities and skills, including performance assessments and evaluations, developing staff, overseeing day-to-day operations effectively and efficiently, and advancing PA initiatives such as safety and security, customer service, sustainability, operational excellence, and the enhancement of the security posture of PA aviation facilities
• Review Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration regulations, guidance documents, standards, directives, and other documents to avoid conflicts while identifying opportunities to leverage existing assets/projects to help advance the business of the department
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the aviation security business plan, and verify that the plan addresses the findings of the latest agency-wide security risk assessment and utilizes that information to ensure threats and vulnerabilities are mitigated and addressed
• Maintain informed of the state of the aviation industry and PA airports, and anticipate/determine how different security initiatives included in the aviation security business plan may be or have an impact on existing conditions
• Assist the Assistant Director in accomplishing the department’s day-to-day tasks and responsibilities
• Review the Airport Security Program (ASP) and identify opportunities, where feasible, to make the ASPs uniform across all PA facilities. Ensure ASPs address evolving regulations
• Ensure Exclusive Area Agreements (EAAs) and Airport Tenant Security Programs (ATSPs) are up-to-date and reflect existing conditions at tenant facilities
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with the TSA, other federal agencies, PAPD, the airport community and other PA departments for efficient and effective security planning and implementation. Lead PA security meetings with stakeholders to further the security mission
• As circumstances require the incumbent may be required to remain available outside regular working hours, including weekends and public holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in aviation security, public safety, homeland security, security management, aviation management or other relevant degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible managerial experience, including managing staff, broad-scale policy development, program management, and implementation.
• Must be able to obtain TSA secret security clearance after hiring.
• Must be able to report to all airports and other PA facilities.
• Demonstrated training, knowledge, or professional experience in aviation security, airport security, transportation security, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of and/or familiarity with Transportation Security Administration Security Regulations 49 CFR 1540, 1542, and 1544
• Strong, proven, oral and written communication and presentations skills.
• Superior interpersonal, communication and presentation skills including demonstrated experience interacting effectively with all levels of staff, both within and outside the agency.
• Demonstrated problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate experience with effective guidance and management of staff
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in contract administration and monitoring of contractor performance.
• Experience with physical security systems and technologies.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to establish plans, set priorities, coordinate activities, delegate tasks and responsibilities, and manage resources to achieve project goals in a high-pressure environment with multiple tasks due in a tight timeframe.
• Professional certification in security, emergency management, risk management, or related discipline.

Selection Process

The application process varies by position but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:

Minimum: $132,964 Midpoint: $172,867 Maximum: $212,758

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.