Vice President, Public Safety & Security

Let Your Career Take Flight!

We're committed to being a global aviation leader driving innovation, regional growth and prosperity by investing in our employees, customers, airlines, and partners

Vice President, Public Safety & Security

The Vice President, Public Safety & Security, under the broad supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, provides leadership and strategic direction through the management and development of emergency preparedness and fire functions, including oversight of all public safety programs. The incumbent serves as the primary liaison with law enforcement and mutual aid organizations and leads security programs for the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Allegheny County Airport.

The Vice President, Public Safety & Security is a dynamic leader who provides oversight for the Airport Authority’s safety environment, integrating physical security, emergency preparedness, environmental compliance, and risk mitigation into a unified airport campus. The Vice President, Public Safety & Security provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership while fostering a comprehensive and collaborative approach to safety, preparedness, compliance, and organizational resilience. This position is accountable for the overall identification, reduction, and prevention of risk to ensure a safe and secure airport environment.

Here is how the Vice President, Public Safety & Security will help: 

·       Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for implementing security programs, maintaining compliance with FAA and TSA regulations, and ensuring the effectiveness of the Airport Security Plan.

·       Work collaboratively with leadership, law enforcement, airport tenants, and other stakeholders to address evolving security challenges, strengthen emergency preparedness, and support safe airport operations.

·       Oversee budgeting, contract administration, staff development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

·       Holds regulatory responsibility for maintaining FAA 139 framework enterprise wide.

·       Oversee and provide strategic direction for all public safety, fire, security, and emergency preparedness programs and projects and ensure alignment with Airport Authority policies and procedures.

·       Develop and implement an organizational emergency preparedness program

·       Ensure compliance with all applicable federal requirements and airport rules and regulations;

·       Direct training programs and emergency operations, tabletop exercises, and practical drills

·       Respond quickly and effectively to irregular operations and emergencies

·       Oversee the Airport Security Plan and ensure compliance with TSA, FAA, and applicable federal regulators.

·       Continually assess and determine changes in requirements for emergency operations facilities, equipment and supplies

·       Partner with various stakeholders in the development and execution of emergency and disaster management plans

·       Work collaboratively with the county, airport staff, airlines, tenants, FAA, military installation and other federal and local law enforcement agencies and disaster relief organizations

·       Serve as the primary liaison with the County Police and ensure coordination among law enforcement agencies

·       Manage operational priorities to maximize efficient use of department resources, budgets, equipment, and personnel

·       Advise senior leadership on security, regulatory, and public safety issues.

·       Develop, coach, and evaluate a high-performing public safety and security team.

The successful candidate for the role of Vice President, Public Safety & Security will demonstrate the following key competencies needed in our culture:

• Communication –Articulates long-term vision in a compelling way that inspires the team; Actively engages in discussions with peers; able to confront peers to challenge thinking respectfully
• Strategic Thinking - Analyzes financial, brand and employee impact of major project decisions prior to implementation; Able to identify industry trends and understands competitive landscape
• Team Leadership - Able to assess and deploy talent against project objectives; Focused on developing team talent; Leads through delegation and providing opportunity for team to excel; Takes decisive action with urgency. Puts the greater good of the Authority and region first and foremost.
• Customer Centricity - Understands cross-functional roles to produce a positive customer experience; Makes decisions based on the best interest of all or most stakeholders

Qualifications

Requirements to apply for the role of Vice President, Public Safety & Security are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Aviation Management, Public or Business Administration or closely related field. Master’s Degree Preferred.

·       Seven (7) years of progressively responsible law enforcement, fire, or emergency management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience working with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
• Experience advising executive leadership, elected officials, boards, or senior government officials.
• Experience managing in a complex, matrixed organization, navigating stakeholder relationships and political environments.
• Experience representing an organization before government agencies, legislative bodies, or industry organizations.

·       Possess or obtain prior to employment a valid Pennsylvania Class C driver’s license.  Note: license must be maintained throughout employment.

·       Airport law enforcement experience with knowledge of TSA security regulations and airport security programs preferred.

·       FEMA certification coursework preferred.

We also expect the successful candidates will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

·       Exceptional strategic leadership and executive advisory capabilities.

·       Deep understanding of law enforcement processes, and safety and security regulations.

·       Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local government structures and regulatory environments.

·       Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. 

·       Excellent business acumen and judgment.

·       Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

·       Proven relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.

·       Ability to operate effectively in highly visible, politically sensitive environments.

Don’t meet every requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. As a Smarter Airport, we recognize that talent is not always related to job history and skills come from valuable experiences that aren’t always shown on a resume. If you are excited to make a positive change for our region, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for our organization, whether it be this role or another.

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 function.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally list and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to understand and speak clearly in English. 

Conditions

Work is performed in both office and active construction site environments with regular site visits and field inspections. This role will require exposure to varying weather conditions, construction activities, noise, and airport operational environments. Occasional evenings, weekend, or emergency response work may be required to support project activities and operational needs.

Medical Examination

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority’s examining physician.

Drug Testing

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening.  Continued employment may be subject to drug, and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and without individualized suspicion.

Pre-Employment Investigation

Must pass a thorough investigation, consisting of a criminal history check (including but not limited to the requirements of CFR 1542.209 and 1542.3), verification of prior employment and performance, reference and credentials checks.

Caring For Our Crew

At ACAA, we’ve got you covered. That applies to how we equip, empower, and enable our people to do their jobs. It also applies to our benefits, which are broader and more valuable than what many other employers offer:

·       We offer two plan options for healthcare coverage from high-quality insurance carriers, as well as an ACAA-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that will help offset the cost of many medical expenses.

-   ACAA employees pay almost $1,200 less per year in healthcare payroll contributions than the average employee in other companies, according to market surveys.

-   When HRA funding is included, the health-plan deductibles paid by ACAA employees are about $1,200 lower on average than the costs paid by employees of other companies.

-   ACAA does not require that employees meet a separate deductible for pharmacy expenses before prescription-drug coverage kicks in.

·       ACAA’s dental plans (included with healthcare coverage) offer an option covering children’s orthodontia.

·       Employees also can take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

·       All eligible full-time ACAA employees participate in the Allegheny County Employees Pension Plan, a defined-benefit plan that vests after 10 years of service.

·       Employees also may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, which allows them to contribute part of their pay on a pre-tax basis into long-term retirement investments.

·       A robust Employee Assistance Program (including access to free counselling sessions, financial guidance, and care coordination), life insurance options, a wellness program, and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program round out ACAA’s exemplary benefits.

About the Allegheny County Airport Authority

The Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Allegheny County Airport (AGC), is committed to transforming Pittsburgh’s airports to reflect, connect and serve the community, inspire the industry and advance the region’s role as a world leader.

Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 10 million passengers annually to 63 direct routes. PIT’s CEO Christina Cassotis has been recognized for numerous leadership awards. In 2025, she was named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine. 

PIT recently opened a new, modernized pre-security terminal and Terminal Garage, which represents more than a decade of planning, preparation and work from the ACAA team. It serves as the region’s front door to the world, connecting the world to Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh to the world.

ACAA is an equal-opportunity workplace. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, and veteran status.