USVI - Operations Compliance Manager in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S. at Avports LLC

Join a Transformational Airport Leadership Team!

Play a critical role in shaping the future of airport operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands as Operations Compliance Manager with Avports.

As STT and STX transition under a public-private partnership (P3) operating model, this position offers a unique opportunity to help establish a culture of safety, compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across two growing airport environments.

The Operations Compliance Manager serves as a key operational leader responsible for ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), local regulatory requirements, and Avports operating standards while supporting safe, efficient, and inspection-ready airport operations.

The Opportunity

As the operational compliance lead for both Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), you will work at the intersection of airport operations, safety, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, and stakeholder coordination.

This role provides the opportunity to partner closely with airport leadership, operations personnel, maintenance teams, tenants, airlines, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders to maintain compliance with FAA Part 139 requirements, TSA regulations, Airport Certification Manual (ACM) standards, and Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) requirements.

You will play an integral role in maintaining operational readiness; strengthening risk management practices; supporting regulatory inspections, audits, and corrective action programs; and ensuring both airports remain inspection-ready while supporting the long-term vision of Avports and its USVI airport partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA, local regulations, airport policies, and Avports standards.
• Oversee safe airfield operations, including runways, taxiways, apron areas, and movement areas.
• Maintain Part 139 inspection readiness through reviews, documentation, and corrective action follow-up.
• Review airside and landside programs related to FOD, wildlife, AOA access, vehicle movement, and emergency response.
• Update key operational documents, including the ACM, WHMP, PMMP, AEP, and related procedures.
• Support operations team performance, training, driver training, and consistent use of departmental procedures.
• Partner with emergency response, maintenance, tenants, FAA, TSA, and airport stakeholders to support safety and compliance.
• Maintain compliance records, operational reports, and communicate key issues to management.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, weather events, and irregular operations as needed.

What You Bring

• Strong understanding of airport operations, safety programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and implement practical operational solutions.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical, auditing, reporting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in dynamic, fast-paced, and highly regulated airport environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Safety Management, Business Administration, ora related field.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in airport operations, aviation safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or a related aviation field.
• Demonstrated experience working with FAA Part 139 regulations and airport certification requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of FAA Advisory Circulars, TSA regulations, NOTAMs, airport safety programs, and operational compliance standards.
• Ability to obtain and maintain airport security credentials and unescorted access privileges.
• Successfully pass required background investigations, maintain local drivers’ license, and satisfactorily meet driving record reviews.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required; must pass required background and driving record checks.
• Ability to work across STT and STX airport locations.
• Must meet airport access, security, and operational site requirements.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, weather events, and irregular operations as needed.
• Ability to perform field inspections and meet physical demands, including occasional lifting up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

• Serve in a leadership role supporting operations at two active commercial service airports operating in highly regulated airside and landside environments.
• Perform regular field inspections in varying weather conditions and operational settings.
• Travel between STT and STX as operational requirements dictate.
• Maintain availability to respond to emergencies, operational incidents, and regulatory matters outside normal business hours.
• Work closely with frontline employees, tenants, airlines, contractors, federal agencies, and airport stakeholders.
• Support continuous airport operations in a dynamic environment requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and decisive action.

Why Join Avports

• Play a key role in supporting safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across two critical Caribbean airports.
• Help shape airport operations during a transformative public-private partnership transition.
• Gain broad exposure to airport operations, compliance, emergency preparedness, and stakeholder engagement.
• Work alongside experienced aviation professionals in a collaborative and growth-focused environment.
• Build valuable leadership experience with opportunities for professional development and career advancement across the Avports network.

Compensation & Benefits

Avports offers a competitive compensation package designed to reward performance and support overall well-being, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match to support long-term financial goals
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and additional benefits
• Short- and long-term disability coverage for added security
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities to accelerate your career

Apply Today!

If you are a strategic aviation leader ready to drive operational excellence and transformation at two growing airports, we encourage you to apply!

Avports is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and U.S. Virgin Islands law.