Managing Director - Global Aviation Security & Facilitation

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Description

There’s never been a more exciting time to join United Airlines. Our Aviation Security team helps uphold the regulatory and policy standards required to run a safe and successful airline for our employees, passengers, and aircraft worldwide. This includes the global aviation compliance team that oversees TSA and Host Government compliance, the geopolitical team, a 24/7 NOC Security Desk, the Passenger Incident Programs, and the Facilitation team.

Job overview and responsibilities

The Managing Director of Global Aviation Security and Facilitation will direct, oversee, develop, and manage a large aviation security and facilitation team that: (1) anticipates and assesses worldwide threats and geopolitical activity that could disrupt or impact aviation; (2) conducts security risk assessments of our operations and policies; (3) conducts security audits of our operations worldwide and ensures compliance with U.S. and foreign security regulations and company policy related to security; (4) manages the team overseeing United’s compliance with the entrance and exit requirements for passengers and cargo traveling across international borders within the aviation context; and (5) advises our operations on security-related events and policies in real‑time through a 24‑hour/7‑day-a‑week desk in the Network Operations Center. Manage key operational relationships with the FBI, CIA, NCTC and Department of Homeland Security – particularly the Transportation Security Administration – to further our operations, initiatives, goals, and interests while advocating for United’s employees and customers.

• Lead and manage the global aviation security team as well as the facilitation team, which includes employees at headquarters, the Network Operations Center, remote employees, and at airports in both the United States and foreign countries.
• Advocate for policy changes to improve the security and facilitation of United’s operations and further the interests of our employees and passengers – including through participation in industry groups (e.g., Airlines for America).
• Serve as the Company's aviation security and facilitation policy expert to advise and assess the Company's compliance with security and facilitation requirements – including both passenger and cargo operations.
• Interpret geopolitical assessments and analyses to identify high‑risk areas that may require additional caution or policy changes. Serve as Company’s advocate with government agencies (DHS, TSA, CBP, FBI, CIA, NCTC, etc.)
• Oversee security risk assessments of our operations and policies.

Qualifications

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• The successful candidate must have or be able to obtain a DoD Secret clearance
• 12+ years of experience implementing and executing aviation security or facilitation policies, programs, and procedures at an air carrier (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years’ experience leading others
• Knowledge of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, their regulations, and the international equivalent regulations / IATA security standards / ICAO Annexes 9 and 17
• Knowledge of airport and airline operations
• Diplomacy in dealing with regulators / strategy development / communication with senior level leadership
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• This role is based in Chicago and follows a hybrid work schedule

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Master's degree
• 5 years’ experience in airport operations
• 5 years’ experience interacting with Transportation Security Administration or Customs and Border Protection at an international airport or at an enterprise level
• Demonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem‑solving.
• Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security

The base pay range for this role is $201,400.00 to $260,000.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job‑related factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long‑term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact View email address on click.appcast.io