Employer of Record: Avports USVI LLC

POSITION: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

LOCATION: USVI Territory

AIRPORT: STT and STX

SUMMARY
As the most senior officer representing Avports USVI LLC in STT and STX airports, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role providing executive leadership and is responsible for overseeing and aligning the operational and strategic functions of the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). The position involves implementing operational excellence, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal aviation regulations, driving strategic initiatives, and enhancing the passenger experience across both facilities. The COO leads along with the Executive Team fulfilling the SkyCity strategic plan and involves promoting and championing all business goals, working closely with federal agencies, airlines, concessionaires, and other airport tenants. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and may be designated to act for the CEO when the CEO is out of the office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the Airside/ Landside Operations for both airports under the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) contract obligations.
• Liaise between FAA, TSA, CBP and other federal and local agencies and be responsible for building strong relationships with airlines, local law enforcement, contractors, and community organizations.
• Ensure airport operations comply with federal regulations such as FAR Part 139 (Certification of Airports) and TSA security directives as in the Airport Security Plan (ASP).
• Work with regulatory bodies like the FAA and TSA to ensure safety audits, inspections, and certifications are passed.
• Lead the airport’s emergency preparedness and response plans including crisis management for incidents such as aircraft accidents, natural disasters, and security breaches.
• Stay updated with changing regulations and ensure the airport adheres to the latest safety standards.
• Oversee the leadership and performance of department heads responsible for terminal operations, security, maintenance, customer service, and facilities management.
• Foster a culture of safety, service, and accountability among all operational staff.
• Promote environmentally sustainable practices including energy-efficient infrastructure, waste management, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Collaborate with the executive team to establish long-term strategies for the airport’s growth, including terminal expansion, infrastructure development, and introduction of new technologies.
• Collaborate with airlines, retail, and concession partners to enhance the overall customer experience.
• Engage with airport tenants including concessionaires and service providers, to ensure operational needs and service standards are met.
• Lead managing the airport’s O&M budget.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without sacrificing service quality, safety, or regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the CFO to evaluate financial performance, adjust forecasts, and secure funding for major initiatives.
• Represent the airport in industry meetings and conferences and work closely with trade associations like the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and Airport Council International (ACI).
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage large teams.
• Strong knowledge with FAA, TSA, CBP and USDA Regulations.
• Proficient in data-driven decision-making, project management, and financial oversight.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field a plus.
• Preferred certification as an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), or International Airport Professional (IAP), or similar.
• 10+ years of experience in airport operations with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within a similar, complex operational environment, ideally in an airport or aviation setting.
• Experience in Airport Certification processes.
• Have demonstrated the ability to manage conflict, build consensus, and facilitate problem solving and collaboration among various stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Experience with U.S. federal regulations, including FAA Part 139, TSA security standards, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to write simple and complex, technical correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers (internal and external), customers and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid Driver’s License as a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle to feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move more than 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN RETURN:
• Full-Time Salary Position
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• 401K with company match
• 19 Holiday, Paid Time Off, Sick Time
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, Accidental Death
• Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization
• Company culture of promotions from within, with a start-up atmosphere allowing for varied career development
Avports is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT
As a condition of employment, employees are required to maintain the confidentiality of all sensitive, proprietary, and/or confidential information they may have access to during the course of their work. This includes, but is not limited to, information regarding the organization’s operations, financial data, business strategies, client or customer information, and employee records.
Unauthorized disclosure or use of such information, whether intentional or accidental, is a serious violation of organizational policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Employees are expected to adhere to all applicable confidentiality agreements, policies, and legal requirements at all times.
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