Director of Airport Services - Denver International Airport

About Our Job

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The salary range for this position is $124,937 - $168,665/year, based on experience and education. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which includes but is not limited to:

• •A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• •457B Retirement Plan
• •140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• •Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

Location & Schedule

This is not a hybrid role. In this role, you can expect to work in-office five days per week at the Denver International Airport.

Who We Are & What You’ll Do

Since opening on Feb. 28, 1995, Denver International Airport (DEN) has become one of the world’s busiest airports. In 2025, 82,427,962 passengers passed through DEN, making DEN 4th busiest airport in the U.S. and the world’s 10th busiest airport. DEN is Colorado’s primary economic engine, generating $47.2 billion in annual economic impact for the state. At DEN, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We celebrate individuality and strive to keep Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) at the center of all that we do.

Denver International Airport (DEN) is seeking a strategic and service-oriented leader to serve as the Director of Airport Services. This role is responsible for overseeing compliance, contract administration, performance management, and operational oversight for a diverse portfolio of airport service contracts that directly impact the passenger experience.

Airport Services oversees critical operational programs including janitorial services, waste management, pest control, window cleaning, snow removal, and other contracted services that support the safe, clean, and efficient operation of one of the world's busiest airports.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Maintenance, Airport Services, this position serves as a key member of the leadership team responsible for ensuring contractor performance, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across airport service programs. The Director works closely with airline partners, concessionaires, federal agencies, contractors, and stakeholders throughout the airport ecosystem to support DEN's strategic priorities, Vision 100 initiatives, and SOAP (Serving Our Airport Patrons) service culture.

Within your first several months, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of DEN's service contract portfolio, operational priorities, contractor relationships, and compliance frameworks. You will build collaborative partnerships across the airport while identifying opportunities to enhance performance, accountability, and service delivery. You will also be expected to obtain CPR certification within your first 90 days of employment.

Key Skill Areas Used in This Role, and Primary Responsibilities:

• •Leadership & Team Development: Lead, coach, and develop professional staff responsible for contract administration, compliance, and program oversight. Establish clear expectations, provide ongoing guidance and mentorship, and support employee growth and development. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• •Strategic Leadership, Program Management & Operational Excellence: Lead Airport Services programs and contract portfolios, balancing operational needs with long-term strategic objectives and airport priorities. Establish goals, performance expectations, budgets, schedules, and operational plans that support division and airport-wide initiatives. Analyze operational performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations to senior leadership regarding priorities, risks, and resource needs. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery, operational effectiveness, and customer experience.
• •Contract Administration, Compliance & Performance Management : Oversee the administration and performance of service contracts, ensuring contractors meet operational, contractual, and regulatory requirements. Develop and maintain compliance programs, policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that support accountability, transparency, and operational consistency. Evaluate contractor performance through inspections, audits, performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools. Review contractor proposals, support procurement activities, negotiate service expectations, and implement strategies that improve contract outcomes and service delivery.
• •Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building: Build and maintain productive relationships with airport stakeholders, including airlines, concessionaires, contractors, federal agencies, community partners, and internal divisions. Serve as a primary liaison on contract administration, compliance, and operational service matters. Collaborate across the DEN enterprise to align program outcomes with organizational goals and facilitate effective partnerships that support operational success.
• •Financial Stewardship, Analytics & Decision Support: Manage budgets, expenditures, and resources associated with Airport Services programs and contracts. Analyze financial, operational, and performance data to inform decision-making, optimize service delivery, and improve resource utilization. Develop reporting tools, performance measures, and business insights that support accountability and strategic decision-making. Ensure responsible stewardship of public resources while maintaining service, compliance, and performance expectations.

What You’ll Bring

We value diversity of experience, background, and perspective. Successful candidates may have developed the following skills through airport operations, facilities management, contract administration, maintenance programs, public-sector operations, or other complex service delivery environments.

Successful candidates often bring experience in the following areas:

• •Leadership experience coaching, mentoring, and developing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Candidates who are successful in this role often bring a minimum of five (5) years of experience leading teams, programs, or operational functions in complex service environments.
• •Experience leading operational programs, service contracts, or business functions, including developing work plans, establishing performance metrics, evaluating outcomes, and aligning resources with organizational priorities. Candidates who are successful in this role often bring a minimum of five (5) years of related experience.
• •Experience managing contracts, vendors, or service providers, including monitoring performance, ensuring compliance, analyzing results, and identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational outcomes.
• •Financial, operational, and analytical skills, including experience managing budgets, evaluating performance data, and using information to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• •Experience building collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, business partners, governmental agencies, regulatory organizations, and other stakeholder groups to achieve shared objectives.
• •Ability to navigate complex operational environments, balance competing priorities, and support organizational goals while maintaining service, compliance, and performance expectations.
• •Knowledge of compliance, contract administration, performance management, facilities management, airport operations, or related operational service functions. Experience working within airports, transportation systems, large public facilities, or similar