The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority is conducting a confidential national search for an Airport Police Chief.

The airport is seeking a self-directed and collaborative individual who embraces servant leadership and has the ability to develop, mentor and motivate staff.

The Airport Police Chief is responsible for administering and directing the requirements of 49 CFR Part § 1542 – Airport Security including all law enforcement activities of Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Police Chief performs work involving the administration and management for the development, planning, directing, coordinating, and reviewing law enforcement policies and procedures and related activities of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority police department and badging office, along with contracted security. The position exercises management and supervision over a number of police and civilian employees of different ranks and responsibilities.

A full range of standard police duties including patrol, investigation, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, and coordination with county, state and federal law enforcement agencies is performed by the Airport police department under the direction of the Police Chief. This position works in close contact with the Federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Aviation Administration, the general public, the Authority’s board and staff, and the citizenry of the community. Familiarity with airport and aviation management is helpful in this position.

Salary is commensurate with experience with a recruitment range of $125,000 – $170,000.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Team Management
•       Applies a servant leadership approach, leading by example and holding people accountable. Develops employees for current and/or upcoming roles.

•       Ensures employees have the tools, resources and training necessary for success.

•       Coaches, trains and motivates employees in a collaborative environment.

Essential Functions

·       Formulates departmental policies, establishes departmental procedures, and issues written directives to sworn and civilian personnel in the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority police department.

·       Plans assignments of officers and supervisors to achieve optimum police service to the Airport Authority and to ensure full compliance with 49 CFR §1542.

·       Observes activities and reviews studies and reports of subordinates to determine patterns of criminal activity and other public safety problems within the Airport Authority’s jurisdiction.

·       Monitors compliance of employees with statutes and rules and regulations of the agency and maintains current training in accepted procedures and practices of law enforcement.

·       Conducts complex research/investigations and creates verbal and written reports illustrating analysis and presents findings/recommendations for management.

·       Investigates complaints involving personnel, procedures, or performance of the department, and initiates disciplinary or other corrective actions as necessary to reduce liability and maintain professional standards of conduct and performance.

·       Maintains liaison with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and regulatory agencies to coordinate joint law enforcement activities and to exchange information pertaining to criminal incidents and investigations.
·        Provides oversight and direction to direct reports, to include coaching, counseling, mentoring, and professional development.

•       Evaluates performance of police and civilian personnel according to department standards.

•       Provides moral leadership through example and mentorship.

•       Supervises the preparation of state, federal and local reports on police activities and criminal activity within jurisdiction.

•       Supervises the preparation of the department’s budget and recommends the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies. Administers the budget approved for the department by the appropriate local body.

•       Responds to all aircraft emergency situations and security related incidents and renders authoritative directives to ensure regulatory rules are followed. May be responsible for setting up incident command center.

•       Manages, supervises, and/or participates in investigations or major crimes or incidents as required.

•       Assists in professional development of airport policy regarding law enforcement and emergency procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•       Thorough knowledge of accepted principles and practices of law enforcement as applied to airport and aviation security practices.

•       Strong knowledge of New York State Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law and other relevant state and local laws.

•       Strong knowledge of accepted principles and practices of administration and supervision as applied to police work, including planning and implementing department budgets, hiring staff, creating schedules, professional development/training, and discipline.

•       Knowledge of FAA and TSA policies, including 49 CFR Part 1542 and practices governing security at commercial airports.

•       Knowledge of 14 CFR Part 139 – Certification of Airports.

•       Understanding of the modern methods and techniques employed in airport safety and security.

•       Proficient in the use of personal computers, and Microsoft Office Suite products including Word, Excel and Outlook.

•       Proficient in the use of radio communication technology.

•       Ability to supervise and effectively command others in emergencies.

•       Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness.

•       Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

•       Ability to maintain professional relationships with diverse staff, including management, employees, tenants, vendors, regulatory agents, and other law enforcement and emergency management agencies.

•       Ability to exercise good judgment and make effective decisions in alignment with the mission and values of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.

•       Ability to work independently and as a team in a high stress and life-threatening situation.

•       Ability to deal firmly, persuasively and effectively with the general public, government officials, and media.

•       Ability to perform lifesaving procedures.

Requirements
•       Eight (8) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent, as a Police Officer, four (4) years of which  must be in a supervisory capacity.

•       Must be able to work on call 24-hours as required.

•       Must maintain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)clearance.

Preferred Requirements

•       New York State Basic police officer certificate.

•       Previous experience working at a commercial service airport in a law enforcement capacity.

•       Previous experience with the execution of an Airport Security Plan as defined in 49 CFR § 1542.

For a complete overview of the position, requirements and how to apply, please click on the link to the job positing below.

SYR Airport Police Chief

Deadline for applications is July 31, 2024.

National Search Conducted by Steven Baldwin Associates – Airport Management Consultants

Contact and Application submissions to: Lisa Belt at LBelt@baldwinllc.com