Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

Job Description

The HUNTSVILLE-MADISON COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY is accepting applications for the position of Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer ("COO") provides executive leadership, direction, and oversight for the operational functions of the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority ("HMCAA"), including airport operations, public safety, facilities and maintenance, and International Intermodal Center operations (air cargo and rail) at HMCAA. The COO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and is responsible for the safe, secure, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of the Authority's operational departments. The COO oversees department leadership responsible for airfield operations, intermodal operations (rail and air cargo), grounds and landscaping, public safety, the communications center, landside and parking operations, and facilities and maintenance, while supporting the Authority's strategic initiatives, capital improvement program, operational readiness, and long-term organizational objectives.

Applicant should have knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of executive leadership, strategic planning, organizational management, budgeting, procurement, contract administration, personnel management, succession planning, and performance management.
• Airport management principles and best practices, including airport operations, public safety, facilities and maintenance, environmental compliance, capital improvement planning, emergency management, business continuity, and intermodal (air cargo and rail) operations.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, grant assurances, advisory circulars, security requirements, environmental regulations, and industry standards applicable to the operation of a commercial service airport and the International Intermodal Center, including applicable FAA, TSA, CBP, EPA, FRA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Airport infrastructure, operational systems, Safety Management System (SMS) principles, risk management, and the planning and execution of major capital improvement projects.

Applicant should have Skills in:

• Leadership, strategic decision-making, organizational planning, and operational management.
• Budget development and administration, financial oversight, procurement, contract administration, and resource allocation.
• Building collaborative relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and organizational change management.
• Oral and written communication, public presentations, and preparation of reports, policies, and executive-level correspondence.

Applicant should have the ability to:

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for multiple operational departments while ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and customer-focused operations.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate airport operations, public safety, facilities and maintenance, environmental programs, capital improvement initiatives, and intermodal (rail and air cargo) operations.
• Develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets, contracts, procurement activities, and organizational resources.
• Analyze complex operational issues, assess organizational risk, make sound decisions, and implement effective solutions during both routine operations and emergency situations.
• Develop and implement organizational goals, policies, operating procedures, performance measures, and strategic initiatives that support the Authority's mission and long-term objectives.
• Lead, motivate, develop, and evaluate department managers while fostering collaboration, accountability, succession planning, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities among Authority departments to ensure efficient operations and successful completion of strategic initiatives and capital projects.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with airlines, tenants, government agencies, regulatory officials, contractors, consultants, elected officials, employees, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including presenting information to executive leadership, the Board of Directors, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Authority in meetings, negotiations, emergency response activities, and industry organizations while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in aviation management, business, or a closely related field; andEight (8) years of increasingly responsible experience at commercial service airports in operations, including a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid driver's license

Strongly Preferred: A.A.E. designation from the A.A.A.E.

The Airport Authority's excellent benefits include: Local Government Health Insurance (BCBS), Health Reimbursement Account, State Retirement, 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability, Educational Assistance, and Employer Paid Life Insurance.

Submit applications at