Airport Operations Director – Emergency Services

The City of Charlotte

The City of Charlotte is seeking an Airport Operations Director – Emergency Services for the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to provide strategic leadership for all emergency-related functions across the airport. This executive-level position ensures operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and coordinated response for emergency management, EMS, law enforcement support, and Airport Operations Center (AOC) activities. The Director plays a pivotal role in maintaining the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) and aligning response efforts with National Incident Management System (NIMS) standards, working closely with internal teams and regional emergency response partners.

Key responsibilities include:

·       Oversee the development, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)

·       Lead the Airport Emergency Management program and all training exercises

·       Direct operations of the AOC to meet evolving airport demands

·       Serve as primary liaison to CMPD, MEDIC, CFD, and other emergency response entities

·       Ensure airport-wide compliance with NIMS and manage emergency responses

·       Lead the Safety Program, fostering a proactive and collaborative culture

·       Supervise and mentor staff, with a focus on succession planning and development

·       Administer emergency-related budgeting, resource planning, and contracts

Preferred Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience, or Master’s degree and five (5) years of experience in emergency management or a related field

·       Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory role

·       Certification in emergency management (CEM, NIMS, or equivalent)

·       Experience working with federal regulatory agencies (FEMA, FAA, TSA)

·       Prior leadership in airport emergency preparedness and AOC operations

Salary & Compensation

The starting salary range for this position is $155,843 – $181,816 depending on experience. An exceptional candidate may be eligible to receive a starting salary slightly above range with approvals. There is an attractive benefits package and relocation assistance. For instructions on how to apply, please click here to see the recruitment brochure, or visit the searches tab at www.adkexecutivesearch.com.

Filing Deadline: June 15, 2025

To apply for this job please visit adkexecutivesearch.com.

Back to Career Center