Description
The Position
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, making this one of the most complex and consequential airport leadership roles in the country.
The CEO is charged with planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all airport functions and activities for both facilities. This includes setting the strategic direction for the Department, representing the City in all airport-related matters, and driving business and commercial development initiatives that keep PHL and PNE competitive and visitor-friendly. The Department operates both airports as commercial enterprises to the greatest extent feasible under City ownership, meaning the CEO must balance the discipline of a private sector operator with the accountability of public sector governance. The airports are subject to extensive federal regulation by the FAA, TSA, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation Regulation, and the CEO must be equally fluent in navigating those relationships as in driving internal operational excellence.
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.
Compensation and Benefits
The City of Philadelphia offers an annual salary range of $310,000 to $330,000 for this position, depending on qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision coverage; Backup Care, FSA, Pet Insurance, and a range of voluntary benefits; 15 days of vacation leave; 5 days administrative (personal) leave; 15 days sick leave; 13 paid holidays per calendar year; a defined pension contribution retirement plan; and a City vehicle with premium parking placard.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning July 17, 2026.
Requirements
Qualifications
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.
