Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Richmond International Airport (RIC) serves as the primary commercial airport for the Richmond metropolitan area, offering a convenient and traveler-friendly experience just minutes from downtown Richmond. With approximately 150 daily flights and nonstop service to dozens of major destinations across the United States, RIC provides easy access for both business and leisure travelers. Major airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, United, and JetBlue operate from the airport, connecting passengers to key hubs such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York, and Orlando. Known for its efficient operations, manageable size, and ease of travel, Richmond International Airport allows residents to enjoy the benefits of a growing metropolitan area without the congestion often associated with larger airports.



POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical leadership role in operationalizing the airport's culture by translating organizational values into daily practices, behaviors, and accountability across all operational areas. The COO is responsible for converting the airport's strategic plan into clear operational priorities, service standards, and measurable performance expectations that drive organizational alignment, operational excellence, employee engagement, and consistent customer experience.


This role is responsible for managing the daily operations of the airport by planning, developing, directing, and overseeing the operational personnel and divisions including Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security. This includes coordinating activities across these divisions, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies, supporting efficient and safe airport operations, and providing leadership to maintain effective communication and workflow throughout the organization.


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RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare, present, and administer a budget for the divisional areas of responsibility.
• Direct and supervise the preparation and recommendation of both an airport master plan and an airport capital improvement plan.
• Ensure the organization operates within legal and ethical boundaries by monitoring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies; identify potential compliance risks and implement strategies to mitigate them.
• Oversee the maintenance and development of operational, security, and emergency plans for the airport.
• Manage holistic facility management and asset program.
• Ensure operational efficiency, decrease operational costs, and realign resource allocation for optimal efficiency and resiliency.
• Ensure compliance of facilities, infrastructure and maintenance, airfield, security, and communications operations with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and sound business practices.
• Serve as a leader in emulating the cultural vision and values while ensuring a culture of civility.
• Ensure employee performance evaluations are established and updated regularly; provide feedback to direct reports and monitor workload and assignments.
• Maintain regular and sustained attendance.
• This position oversees the Capital Development, Maintenance, and Operations & Security divisions. Supervision is the responsibility of positions in this classification.
• Decisions are made within broad interpretation of applicable guidelines and federal, state, and county policies and rules.

QUALIFICATIONS


Education & Experience

• Master's degree or bachelor's degree in aviation or airport management, business administration, planning, engineering, public administration, public safety, or a closely related field.
• Ten to twelve (10-12) plus years of progressively responsible airport leadership experience. At least five to six (5-6)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Industry Knowledge - Knowledge of all aspects of airport management including airport capital development, airport operations, airport security, airport facility development and rehabilitation projects, maintenance and facility management, asset management, airside and landside operations, communications, airport security, aircraft rescue firefighting and law enforcement on airports.
• Regulatory Knowledge - Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for federally funded programs and projects. Knowledge of state, local, and Capital Region Airport Commission regulations and requirements.
• Operations Knowledge - General knowledge of airport operations to ensure that plans include considerations for the continuity of operations through the program and project implementation process.
• Presentation and Reporting Skills - Skilled at presenting ideas and preparing concise reports that align with organizational goals.
• Communication Skills - Ability to communicate effectively, deliver clear and strategic messages, facilitate critical conversations, and demonstrate transparency to align priorities and foster trust across teams.
• Customer Service Skills - Ability to set, communicate, and uphold clear customer service expectations by monitoring performance, coaching team members, and ensuring consistent delivery of respectful, responsive, and efficient service that anticipates customer needs. Ability to effectively convey ideas and information through oral or visual presentations.
• Critical Thinking - Ability to set and model clear expectations for critical thinking by guiding team to analyze information objectively, evaluate alternatives, and apply structured decision-making to optimize outcomes. Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning by promoting creative problem-solving, supporting professional development, and leveraging new ideas to drive success.
• Problem Solving - Ability to set and reinforce expectations for structured problem-solving by guiding team members to accurately define issues, break down complexity, and apply systematic approaches to develop practical solutions. Ability to optimize resources and remove barriers. Ability to lead teams through organizational change by addressing concerns, fostering resilience and adaptability.
• Interpersonal Skills/Relationship Management - Ability to set and model expectations for positive workplace interactions by fostering collaboration, inclusion, and trust. Create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members feel respected and accountable.
• Time Management - Ability to set and model expectations for time management by translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, delegating effectively, and tracking progress toward milestones. Ability to balance workloads, protect team focus, and adapt schedules to delivery without compromising quality.
• Administration and Leadership - Ability to organize, coordinate, and direct activities and resources while inspiring and guiding individuals or teams toward achieving goals.
• Human Capital Management - Ability to recruit, develop, and motivate employees to maximize performance and organizational success. Cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment that supports learning, retention, and growth. Provide coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback while effectively managing conflict.
• Performance Management - Ability to set clear expectations, provide feedback, evaluate results, and support employee growth and accountability. Ability to track performance, assess progress toward objectives, and identify areas for improvement through data and observation.
• Strategic Safety Stewardship - Align safety with long-term planning and culture.
• Organizational Integrity - Set the tone for ethical behavior and transparency.
• Visionary Customer Strategy - Define and communicate a compelling service vision.
• Innovation Strategy - Drive purposeful innovation for growth and impact.
• Enterprise Agility - Lead transformative change to remain competitive.
• Culture Building - Cultivate a values-driven, high-performance culture.
• Cross-Functional Leadership - Align departments to achieve shared goals.

Special Requirements/Licenses

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
• The person should have the ability to evaluate and learn new systems quickly as they relate to internal processes.
• Possession of industry certifications applicable to the position (A.A.E., I.A.P., C.M., P.E., A.I.C.P., A.C.E., etc.).

COMPENSATION
The salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $243,300 - $300,000 plus bonus. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience. Richmond International Airport offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff.


Relocation assistance and executive onboarding support is available for the successful candidate.

BENEFITS

• Health and dental care insurance
• Virginia state retirement (mandatory 5% employee contribution)
• 457 Plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Short-term disability
• Paid vacation
• Sick and holiday benefits