The Port of Seattle is unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Salary offers will be made within the posted range. Placement within the range will be determined based on your similar work experience. The Port considers work experience to be similar if the scope and level of responsibility of your prior positions match the job being offered.

Applications will be reviewed regularly, and interviews may be conducted prior to the close date.

As the Director, Airport Operations, you will lead and oversee the day-to-day operations at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). You will ensure safe, secure, efficient, and customer-focused operations across the airfield, terminal, landside, Airport Communications Center (ACC), operational readiness and activation (ORAT), air cargo operations, and operational safety programs.

You will support Aviation Division objectives through operational planning, implementation of operational initiatives, development of operational procedures, and coordination of operational activities across Airport Operations functions.
You will identify and implement operational efficiencies, process improvements, and service enhancements while maintaining operational effectiveness.
You will lead a large, multi-functional operational workforce, and be responsible for leadership, coaching, performance management, staffing plans, and succession planning.
You will develop and manage departmental operating budgets, staffing plans, operational contracts, and resource allocation.
You will ensure compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 requirements, airport certification standards, Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, and all applicable operational regulations and procedures.
You will maintain strong working relationships with airlines, FAA, Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP), emergency response agencies, tenants, contractors, and other airport stakeholders. You will also coordinate operational activities and represent Airport Operations in internal and external operational forums and meetings.
You will support implementation of Safety Management System (SMS) principles, operational audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action programs. You also will collaborate closely with the Port’s Health and Safety leadership to ensure alignment on programs, compliance requirements, and operational priorities.
You will oversee terminal and landside operational performance, including passenger flow, curbside operations, public parking, employee parking, ground transportation systems, transit operations, traffic management, and operational coordination with airlines, tenants, and service providers.
You will lead operational response and coordination during irregular operations (IROPs), emergencies, severe weather events, security incidents, operational disruptions, and other time-sensitive operational events. You will ensure timely operational decision-making, stakeholder coordination, and effective communication across airport partners and operational departments.
You will oversee operational readiness planning and activation activities associated with capital projects, operational changes, construction activities and facility transitions.

Experienced – You have eight (8) years of experience in commercial airport or airline operations and three (3) years of experience supervising staff and a function of operations.
Desired – We hope you have a bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, transportation, or other closely related field, American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) or Airport Council International (ACI) professional certifications, and/or Incident Command System (ICS) training or certifications.
Committed to Equity – You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
Leader – You have advanced leadership skills, with the ability to lead teams and influence others at all levels of the organization. You demonstrate a strong understanding of organizational structure, culture, and political dynamics to effectively navigate decision-making channels to advance strategic priorities.
Operational Savviness - You demonstrate a understanding of complex regulated operational environments and anticipate issues, optimize resources, and maintain seamless daily operations. You navigate a high‑stakes, 24/7 airport ecosystem with strong situational awareness, sound judgment, and an ability to balance immediate operational needs with long‑term strategic priorities.
Effective Communicator – You have advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Collaborator – You are someone who can work with diverse internal and external stakeholders at various levels of the organization to build relationships while providing excellent guidance and customer service.

Driver’s License – You will need a valid Washington State Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one, is required in order to travel locally to project sites.
Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role. You may be required to work during emergencies.
Work Environment – You will primarily work in an office environment.
Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic development and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

Job Details

Location: Seattle Tacoma International Airport

Organization: Operations Director

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-time

Posting Expires: Aug 2, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Minimum Salary: 230,848.00

Maximum Salary: 312,324.00