Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, or related field required
Master's degree preferred
10+ years of airport operations experience, including at least 5 in senior leadership roles
Experience managing airport certification processes and regulatory compliance
Preferred certifications include Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) or International Airport Professional (IAP)
Proven ability to build consensus and manage stakeholder relationships
Responsibilities
Lead all airside and landside operations across both airports
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and local regulations
Serve as primary liaison with federal regulatory agencies
Oversee safety audits and emergency preparedness
Provide leadership to various operational teams
Promote a culture of safety and service excellence
Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance passenger experience
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match
Generous paid time off and holidays
Short- and long-term disability coverage
Employee Assistance Program
Ongoing professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Step into a high-impact leadership opportunity with Avports as Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing operations at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in the U.S. Virgin Islands!
With both airports undergoing a major transformation under a public-private partnership (P3) model, this role offers a rare chance to lead through change-shaping operational strategy, strengthening regulatory performance, and redefining the passenger experience at two of the region's most critical aviation gateways.
The Opportunity
As the most senior on-site leader representing Avports USVI LLC, the COO will have the opportunity to take full ownership of both the operational and strategic direction of two growing airport environments. This role offers a high-impact platform to lead all aspects of airport operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance while actively shaping and advancing the long-term vision under the SkyCity partnership.
Working at the center of a dynamic and evolving organization, the COO will collaborate closely with federal agencies, airline partners, concessionaires, and key local stakeholders-positioning the role as a critical driver of transformation, innovation, and growth.
This is a unique opportunity for a leader seeking meaningful scale and career acceleration-the COO will not only ensure operational excellence and strong business performance but will also play a defining role in elevating customer experience, modernizing operations, and helping build the future of airport management across both facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Lead all airside and landside operations across both airports under the O&M agreement
Ensure compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA, CBP, and all applicable federal and local regulations
Serve as primary liaison with FAA, TSA, CBP, and regulatory agencies
Oversee safety audits, inspections, and certification requirements
Direct emergency preparedness and crisis response, includingaircraftincidents, natural disasters, and security events
Provide leadership to operations, maintenance, security, customer service, and facilities teams
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence
Partner with leadership to execute strategic initiatives, including infrastructure and operational improvements
Collaborate with airlines, concessionaires, and tenants to enhance performance and passenger experience
Partner with finance to evaluate performance and support capital planning
Represent the organization in industry, regulatory, and stakeholder engagements
Lead sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts
What You Bring
Proven senior management experience in complex, multi-functional operational environments
Strong knowledge of FAA, TSA, CBP, and airport regulatory frameworks
Ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and drive organizational performance
Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight and cost management
Excellent stakeholder management skills across government, airline, and community partners
Demonstrated ability to lead through change, transformation, and growth initiatives
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in high-pressure environments
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in aviation management,businessadministration, or related fieldrequired
Master's degree preferred
10+ years of airport operations experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles
Experience managing airport certification processes and regulatory compliance (FAA Part 139, TSA, CBP)
Preferred certifications: Accredited Airport Executive (AAE), International Airport Professional (IAP), or similar
Demonstrated ability to build consensus and manage stakeholder relationships across internal and external groups
Work Environment
Serve in a senior leadership capacity overseeing operations at two small,but complex regional airports (STT and STX), each operating in highly regulated airside and landside environments
Operate within a safety-critical aviation setting, requiring strict adherence to regulatory standards and proactive risk management across all functions
Engage regularly with frontline operational teams, federal regulators, airlines, and key external stakeholders to ensure seamless and compliant airport operations
Maintain availability to respond to operational issues, emergencies, and critical incidents, including aviation safety events and weather-related disruptions
Support continuous, 24/7 airport operations in a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and decisive leadersh
Compensation & Benefits
Avports offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to reward performance and support overall well-being, including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match to support long-term financial goals
Generous paid time off, holidays, andadditionalbenefits
Short- and long-term disability coverage for added security
Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities to accelerate your career
Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.
The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Apply Today!
If you are a strategic aviation leader ready to drive operational excellence and transformation at two growing airports, we encourage you to apply!
