USVI - Chief Operating Officer (COO) in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, U.S. at Avports LLC

Join a Transformational Airport Leadership Team!

Step into a high-impact leadership opportunity with Avports as Chief Operating Officer (COO), overseeing operations at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) in the U.S. Virgin Islands!

With both airports undergoing a major transformation under a public-private partnership (P3) model, this role offers a rare chance to lead through change—shaping operational strategy, strengthening regulatory performance, and redefining the passenger experience at two of the region’s most critical aviation gateways.

The Opportunity

As the most senior on-site leader representing Avports USVI LLC, the COO will have the opportunity to take full ownership of both the operational and strategic direction of two growing airport environments. This role offers a high-impact platform to lead all aspects of airport operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance while actively shaping and advancing the long-term vision under the SkyCity partnership.

Working at the center of a dynamic and evolving organization, the COO will collaborate closely with federal agencies, airline partners, concessionaires, and key local stakeholders—positioning the role as a critical driver of transformation, innovation, and growth.

This is a unique opportunity for a leader seeking meaningful scale and career acceleration—the COO will not only ensure operational excellence and strong business performance but will also play a defining role in elevating customer experience, modernizing operations, and helping build the future of airport management across both facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all airside and landside operations across both airports under the O&M agreement
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA, CBP, and all applicable federal and local regulations
• Serve as primary liaison with FAA, TSA, CBP, and regulatory agencies
• Oversee safety audits, inspections, and certification requirements
• Direct emergency preparedness and crisis response, includingaircraftincidents, natural disasters, and security events
• Provide leadership to operations, maintenance, security, customer service, and facilities teams
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence
• Partner with leadership to execute strategic initiatives, including infrastructure and operational improvements
• Collaborate with airlines, concessionaires, and tenants to enhance performance and passenger experience
• Manage O&M budgets, drive cost efficiencies, andmaintainfinancial discipline
• Partner with finance to evaluate performance and support capital planning
• Represent the organization in industry, regulatory, and stakeholder engagements
• Lead sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts

What You Bring

• Proven senior management experience in complex, multi-functional operational environments
• Strong knowledge of FAA, TSA, CBP, and airport regulatory frameworks
• Ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and drive organizational performance
• Strong financial acumen, including budget oversight and cost management
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across government, airline, and community partners
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, transformation, and growth initiatives
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in high-pressure environments

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation management,business administration, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 10+ years of airport operations experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Experience managing airport certification processes and regulatory compliance (FAA Part 139, TSA, CBP)
• Preferred certifications: Accredited Airport Executive (AAE), International Airport Professional (IAP), or similar
• Demonstrated ability to build consensus and manage stakeholder relationships across internal and external groups

Work Environment

• Serve in a senior leadership capacity overseeing operations at two small, but complex regional airports (STT and STX), each operating in highly regulated airside and landside environments
• Operate within a safety-critical aviation setting, requiring strict adherence to regulatory standards and proactive risk management across all functions
• Engage regularly with frontline operational teams, federal regulators, airlines, and key external stakeholders to ensure seamless and compliant airport operations
• Maintain availability to respond to operational issues, emergencies, and critical incidents, including aviation safety events and weather-related disruptions
• Support continuous, 24/7 airport operations in a dynamic, fast-paced environment requiring adaptability, sound judgment, and decisive leadersh

Why Join Avports?

• Lead and transform operations at two vital Caribbean airport gateways during a period of significant growth and modernization
• Take on a high-impact role in a landmark public-private partnership (P3) shaping the future of regional aviation
• Influence strategy, infrastructure development, and the long-term trajectory of both airports
• Join a well-established aviation organization backed by strong investment and deep industryexpertise
• Work directly with senior leadership in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where your impact is visible and meaningful

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, andadditionalbenefits
• 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

Applies to all team members, including those represented by a labor union or bargaining unit. If any part conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA will take precedence.

The Company complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act, and all applicable state or local law. Consistent with those requirements, the Company. will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability if such accommodation would allow the individual to perform the essential functions of the job, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage applications from all qualified candidates

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!