MAJOR FUNCTIONThe Director, Airport Security Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing non-sworn, non-certified operational functions within the IAA Department of Public Safety. This role ensures the coordination, integration, and performance of security operations, emergency communications, training programs, and operational support functions across Airport Police, Airport Fire Department, Security Operations, Communications Center, and Airport Operations.
This position supports compliance with all applicable Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directives, while advancing a unified, intelligence-driven, and risk-based security posture. The Director serves as a key integrator of operational readiness and data-driven decision-making and reports directly to the Deputy Senior Director of Public Safety.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Operational Integration & Oversight
- Lead and manage public safety operational functions not requiring sworn law enforcement or fire certification.
- Oversee the coordination of cross-functional activities between the IAA Airport Police Department, Airport Fire Department, Airport Security Operations (badging, access control, screening coordination), Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch), and Airport Operations.
- Ensure operational alignment with the Airport Security Program (ASP) and TSA regulatory framework (49 CFR Part 1542).
- Support incident command integration consistent with NIMS/ICS principles.
- TSA Compliance & Security Program Management
- Ensure adherence to TSA-mandated security requirements, including access control systems, Security Identification Display Areas (SIDA), credentialing and badging compliance, and security incident reporting and response protocols.
- Partner with the Federal Security Director (FSD) and TSA representatives on audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
- Assist in maintaining and updating the Airport Security Program (ASP) and associated security directives.
- Training, Exercises & Readiness Coordination
- Oversee and coordinate multi-agency training programs across police, fire, communications, and operations divisions.
- Ensure compliance with TSA-required training (e.g., SIDA training, security awareness) and emergency preparedness standards.
- Oversee the planning and execution of full-scale emergency exercises (per TSA/FAA requirements), tabletop and functional exercises, and active threat and incident response drills.
- Ensure the maintenance of training records, compliance tracking, and readiness metrics.
- Data Analytics & Performance Management
- Establish a centralized data and analytics function for Public Safety operations.
- Develop and manage dashboards tracking security incidents and breaches, response times and dispatch performance, access control violations, and training compliance rates.
- Utilize predictive and trend analysis to identify risks and improve operational effectiveness.
- Deliver executive-level reports to IAA leadership and support strategic planning initiatives.
- Interagency Coordination & Communication
- Serve as the operational liaison across all public safety and airport operational divisions.
- Strengthen coordination between internal stakeholders and external partners, including TSA, airlines and tenants, and local, state, and federal agencies.
- Promote unified communication protocols during routine operations and emergency incidents.
- Leadership & Strategic Initiatives
- Supervise operational staff and analysts supporting security operations and communications.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including technology implementation (e.g., access control systems, CAD, analytics platforms).
- Support the Deputy Senior Director in strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.
- Coach, counsel, mentor, and develop direct reports.
- Conduct performance reviews and providing career development planning and opportunities, creating development plans for all direct reports and support development plans for the team.
- Establish performance expectations and standards for direct reports to achieve or exceed and prepare them for the future.
- Empower direct reports to take responsibility for their job and goals, delegate responsibility, and expect regular feedback and accountability.
- Lead direct reports to regularly exercise the organization's five (5) Strategic Pillars of Customer Service, Economic Development, Stability & Sustainability, Workforce Development, and Community Engagement.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLSEducation- Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, or related field (required)
- Master's degree (preferred)
Experience- Seven to ten plus (7-10+) years of leadership experience in airport operations, aviation security, emergency management, or public safety coordination
- Seven to ten plus (7-10+) years of experience supervising direct reports.
- Demonstrated experience working within TSA-regulated environments (Part 1542 preferred)
- Experience coordinating multi-agency operations and training programs
- Strong background in operational analytics and performance management
Preferred Certifications- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Airport Certified Employee (ACE - Security or Operations)
- FEMA ICS/NIMS (100, 200, 300, 400)
Key Competencies- TSA regulatory knowledge (49 CFR Part 1542, ASP compliance)
- Multi-agency coordination and unified command integration
- Data-driven decision-making and analytics leadership
- Executive communication and stakeholder engagement
- Operational risk management and security planning
DIRECT REPORTS:Public Safety Operational Staff and Analysts (Security Operations and Communications Center)
