Vice President of Public Safety
RequiredQualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in aviation/airport management, emergency management, business, engineering, or a closely related field
- At least 10 years of management experience at a Part 139 certificated airport focusing on managing law enforcement, emergency response, emergency operations, security, and/or public safety
- 3 or more years’experience as a Fire Chief, Police Chief, or higher level in airport management at a commercial service airport involving public safety and security
- Valid NC Driver’s License
- Master’s degree
- Airport Certified Member
- Accredited Airport Executive
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) / Incident Command System (ISC) – minimum ICS100, 200, 300, 400
- Airport Safety and Operations Specialist (Basic and Advanced)
- Airport Security Coordinator CertificationExperience developing and implementing large operational budgets.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Public Safety Department delivers integrated safety, security, and emergency response services essential to the airport’s continuous operations. The Public Safety Department includes airport law enforcement, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), airport security officers, emergency management, and the Airport Communications Center. The Public Safety Department works in close coordination with federal partners, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), United States Secret Service (USSS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as state and local agencies, to support regulatory compliance, operational readiness, and coordinated response capabilities within a complex and growing aviation environment.
The Vice President provides executive leadership for the airport’s public safety operations, advancing the organization’s mission, vision, and core values while ensuring safe, secure, and resilient airport operations. The Vice President shapes strategic direction and guides the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational plans, policies, and programs that enhance effectiveness across public safety functions. Specific responsibilities include setting operational priorities, allocating resources, overseeing budgeting processes, preparing reports and recommendations for executive leadership, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and sound business practices. The Vice President regularly coordinates with airline leadership, tenants, federal partners, local agencies, and other stakeholders to support safe and efficient airport operations.
Overseeing a workforce of more than 150 employees, the Vice President directly supervises three senior leaders—the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Director of Emergency Operations/Communications Center—and provides strategic oversight across these operational areas. Because public safety is critical to airport operations, this position is designated as Essential, and theVice President is required to be onsite during airport incidents, such as emergencies or severe weather events.
Additionally, the Vice President establishes policies and standards, oversees performance, and provides leadership during significant incidents or emergencies when executive direction is required.
Key Position Priorities include, but are not limited to:
- Develop a comprehensive Public Safety Strategic Plan by assessing current risks, clarifying shared priorities, and aligning it with the Authority’s vision to guide future public safety initiatives.
- Strengthen collaboration by breaking down operational silos and expanding joint training, coordinated planning, and cross-functional engagement amongPolice/Fire/EM teamsand organizational partners.
- Evaluate and align resource allocation, operational processes, and service delivery models to support airport growth while maintaining readiness, standardization, and effectiveness.
- Advance emergency management integration and enhance Airport Communications Center capabilities to improve preparedness, resilience, and coordinated response.
- Establish leadership presence through relationship-building, organizational assessment, and implementation of a structured 30-, 60-, and 90-day transition approach that positions the role for long-term success.