The City of Philadelphia is seeking a dynamic, visionary executive to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aviation (the Department), overseeing Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). As a member of the Mayor's Cabinet, the CEO reports directly to the Mayor and operates at the intersection of municipal government, commercial enterprise, and federal regulatory compliance. The CEO is charged with planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all airport functions and activities for both facilities. The Department operates both airports as commercial enterprises to the greatest extent feasible under City ownership. The CEO oversees a department of approximately 800 to 950 FTEs, comprising both exempt and union employees across 24/7 operations. Direct reports include a Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Operating Officer, among others. This is an always-on leadership environment that demands an executive who is present, decisive, and unflappable in a crisis.

Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in aviation management, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field, and seven years of progressively responsible experience in airport management, with at least three years in a senior leadership role at a major commercial airport. Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing civil airport operations—including FAA, TSA, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requirements—as well as demonstrated experience in commercial development, infrastructure planning, and airline negotiations, is required.

Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in a related field, executive leadership coursework, and relevant professional certifications. Candidates with direct experience managing a large commercial service airport—including domestic and international passenger and cargo operations—with a demonstrated record of driving operational performance and capital project delivery in a complex, unionized, 24/7 environment, are strongly preferred.

The successful candidate must establish residency within the City of Philadelphia within six months of hire. The City offers relocation assistance up to a certain amount.

The City of Philadelphia is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. If you are passionate about this work and meet many of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply here.

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