Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. We embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals.
- Advance Airport Development
- Transform the Customer Experience
- Optimize Ongoing Business
- Cultivate Our Culture
Here, you'll find a workplace culture that is anchored in our collective mindsets : collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision‑making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.
Overview
Consistent with the pending retirement of the incumbent, the Board of Directors of the SDCRAA is now embarking on a national search to recruit a new President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Board is seeking a driven, dynamic, results‑oriented airport leader who will employ strategic and tactical leadership to ensure that the Authority remains a strong economic engine for the region, while providing safe and efficient facilities and superior services and amenities to passengers.
The CEO develops and oversees the implementation of the Authority’s Strategic Plan, as well as annual goals / objectives and tactical plans. Under general direction of the Board, the CEO is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all functions and activities of the airport. The CEO directs the overall management of the airport to achieve the short‑ and long‑range strategic planning goals and objectives, policies, budgets, and operating plans in accordance with directives developed in concert with the Board.
The successful candidate will develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders, including airlines, Authority employees, concessionaires, contractors, the FAA, TSA, CBP, business leaders, civic and community organizations, and the press.
The position reports to the Board and provides leadership to the highly talented leadership team within the Authority. An overview of each division of the Authority is provided in Appendix E. The CEO role is based at the SDCRAA corporate office on the airport campus and the successful candidate is expected to relocate, if necessary, to the greater San Diego area within a reasonable time period.
Why You’ll Love Working at SAN
Location : The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, provides stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.Salary : The targeted hiring salary range for the President & CEO is $250,000 - $400,000.Wellness : Take advantage of multiple on‑site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego’s best walking trails.Application Deadline : December 5, 2025. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.What You’ll Do
Ensure regular and timely reporting to and engagement with the Board of Directors.Work with the board to realize the Authority’s Purpose and Culture.Develop, refine, and implement the Authority’s Strategic Plan, inclusive of all embedded initiatives and objectives, providing regular updates to the board.Ensure that the Authority operates safely and efficiently, complying with all federal, state and local regulations, policies and contractual obligations.Prepare and seek approval for the annual budget based on organizational goals and growth objectives.Establish and maintain relationships with airport stakeholders, including industry partners, community members, federal and state officials.Cultivate, manage, and maintain good working relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with airlines, travelers, the business community, government, tourism industry, regulators, and the general public.Oversee domestic and international passenger and cargo air service growth through strategically focused approaches and innovative marketing efforts.Maximize revenue and profitability from real estate, facilities, retail, car rental, parking, advertising and other related assets and services.Negotiate and oversee important commercial arrangements with air carriers, concessionaires and suppliers, ensuring mutual benefit and effective contract management.Keep operating costs competitive and align them with market expectations.Oversee or coordinate capital improvement projects, ensuring on‑time, on‑budget completion with minimal disruption.Work with the Chief Financial Officer to obtain financing for capital needs and maintain a strong credit rating.Ensure participation in procurement and commercial activities that include small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises.Engage local constituents so the airport serves as a key part of the overall San Diego experience.Advance sustainability goals and initiatives.Respond to inquiries from government officials, media and the public about airport activities.Provide inspired leadership, promote strong employee morale, and set high expectations for accountability, innovation, trust and respect.Direct and develop staff across the Authority for impactful customer experience and business results.Command and oversee airport emergencies, security situations and irregular weather operations.Represent the Authority to industry groups such as Airports Council International and the American Association of Airport Executives.Perform other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned by the Board.Year One Critical Success Factors
Establish strong trust‑based working relationships with the Board, Executive Leadership Team, and key internal and external stakeholders.Position yourself as the clear leader of SDCRAA, building strong relationships with senior leadership.Build early relationships with major airline and non‑airline tenants and partners.Identify and address the most compelling issues and opportunities facing the Authority.Meet established annual objectives across financial, operational, air service, and other areas.Continue focusing on strategic growth of air service development.Ensure operational excellence.Integrate into the greater San Diego community.Requirements
Professional Experience / Qualifications
Highly regarded and experienced airport executive with knowledge of industry best practices, standards, and regulations; experience as overall leader of a successful airport or similar complex organization.General manager experience with cross‑functional responsibility for an enterprise or complex organization, ideally as CEO or divisional leader.Experience in public administration with a blend of private and public sector experience.Broad functional experience in airport finance, air service development, revenue generation, administration, operations, maintenance, planning, and development.Experience managing capital programs, specifically airport terminal construction and commissioning, with on‑budget and on‑time delivery.Track record of working in highly regulated environments and advancing airport policy and legislative interests at all levels.Strong background in securing funding from multiple sources—local, regional, state, and federal.Experience in regional economic development.Ideally, experience in successful air service development in both domestic and international markets.Demonstrated ability to establish solid, trusting relationships with all key stakeholders.Strong community outreach orientation and experience representing the organization at senior levels.Excellent project management skills for large‑scale initiatives involving significant dollars, personnel and diverse stakeholders.High degree of innovation with a track record of creating the future for airports.Proven leadership skills with talent development focus.Comfortable working in highly visible positions and dealing with the media.Career runway of at least 5 years, ideally 10 years.Willingness and ability to relocate to the greater San Diego area if necessary.Education and Qualifications
Minimum of an undergraduate degree; graduate degree and advanced executive leadership courses highly desirable.Thorough knowledge of laws, rules and regulations relating to civil airport operations, including FAA, TSA and CBP.Certification as an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or International Airport Professional (IAP) preferred.Eligibility to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.Ideal Personal Profile
Integrity and honesty beyond reproach.Humility, giving credit to team and stakeholders.A passion to inspire others.Strong combination of IQ and EQ, an active learner with an open mind.Strong people leadership, motivating and moving people in new directions.Effective delegator who empowers teams.Visionary and forward‑thinking with execution focus.Business and financial acumen, thinking like a businessperson.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with active listening.Collaborative and team‑oriented, building stakeholder relationships.Attentive listener who ensures concerns are heard.Accessible and maintains an open‑door policy.Consensus builder, appreciative of competing interests.Highly numerate, interpreting figures and trends.Effective manager of conflicting interests, decisive yet collaborative.Independent thinker, cooperative, with appreciation of others’ perspectives.Politically savvy but apolitical, with good sensitivity and acumen.Executive presence with gravitas, commanding respect.Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑pressure, unstructured environments.Calm, cool, and collected under crisis.EEO Statement
It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and / or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Physical & Mental Demands
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 – 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.
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