FGP has been retained by Richmond International Airport to assist in identifying their next Police Chief. This role plans, coordinates, organizes, and performs all managerial‑related duties of the Airport Police Department while communicating a balanced mission and vision regarding customer service and law enforcement in an airport environment. This includes providing leadership to departmental staff, overseeing daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with airport stakeholders. The roles support a high‑quality customer experience while upholding the safety, security, and enforcement responsibilities required in an aviation setting.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the highest level of ethical standards throughout the ranks of the Airport Police Department.
- Assume command during emergency law enforcement and aviation security related situations and direct personnel in handling of situation.
- Foster an environment within the department that places customer services as a high priority in interaction with airport tenants, users and the general public.
- Commit to drive change by mandating compliance of all Airport Police personnel with the Program.
- Direct law enforcement activities and implement Airport Police duties under the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) in order to assist Airport Operations and Airport Fire (ARFF) Department with overall site security and law enforcement during airport emergency events.
- Establish performance standards, provide personnel coaching and evaluations.
- Conduct performance evaluations of Police Captain and other subordinate team members as required.
- Make recommendations and assist the Director of Operations & Security to enhance current operational practices with regards to the Airport Security Program (ASP) and Commission’s Rules and Regulations, in addition to evaluating, reviewing and recommending best practices to achieve successful outcomes.
- Prepare departmental budgets, supply requisitions and purchases according to Commission policies.
- Account for investigating departmental personnel incidents and make recommendations for performance improvement plans and/or disciplinary actions as required.
- Maintain regular and sustained attendance.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Airport or Organizational Management, or a closely related field.
- Minimum five (5) years law enforcement supervisory/command experience, or, in lieu of the educational requirement, a minimum of ten (10) year’s work experience as a Police Officer with at least eight (8) of those years in a supervisor/command role overseeing other law enforcement officers.
Required Skills
- Industry Knowledge – Working knowledge of law enforcement practices and techniques.
- Regulatory Knowledge – Working knowledge of federal, state, and local codes, rules, and regulations. The ability to learn and apply the Rules and Regulations governing the Capital Region Airport Commission.
- Operational Knowledge – Ability to safely and skillfully use the department issued firearms.
- Reporting Skills – Ability to review, prepare effective and concise reports.
- Airport Facility Knowledge – Ability to adapt and learn the nature of the airport facility.
- Confidentiality – Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
- Persuasion – Ability to use considerable tact and persuasion to obtain consent, approval and cooperation.
- Presentation and Reporting Skills – Skilled at presenting ideas and preparing concise reports that align with organizational goals.
- Communication Skills – Ability to communicate effectively, deliver clear and strategic messages, facilitate critical conversations, and demonstrate transparency to align priorities and foster trust across teams.
- Customer Service Skills – Ability to set, communicate, and uphold clear customer service expectations by monitoring performance, coaching team members, and ensuring consistent delivery of respectful, responsive, and efficient service that anticipates customer needs. Ability to effectively convey ideas and information through oral or visual presentations.
- Critical Thinking – Ability to set and model clear expectations for critical thinking by guiding team to analyze information objectively, evaluate alternatives, and apply structured decision-making to optimize outcomes. Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning by promoting creative problem-solving, supporting professional development, and leveraging new ideas to drive success.
- Problem Solving – Ability to set and reinforce expectations for structured problem-solving by guiding team members to accurately define issues, break down complexity, and apply systematic approaches to develop practical solutions. Ability to optimize resources and remove barriers. Ability to lead teams through organizational change by addressing concerns, fostering resilience and adaptability.
- Interpersonal Skills/Relationship Management – Ability to set and model expectations for positive workplace interactions by fostering collaboration, inclusion, and trust. Create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members feel respected and accountable.
- Time Management – Ability to set and model expectations for time management by translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, delegating effectively, and tracking progress toward milestones. Ability to balance workloads, protect team focus, and adapt schedules to delivery without compromising quality.
- Administration and Leadership – Ability to organize, coordinate, and direct activities and resources while inspiring and guiding individuals or teams toward achieving goals.
- Human Capital Management – Ability to recruit, develop, and motivate employees to maximize performance and organizational success. Cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment that supports learning, retention, and growth. Provide coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback while effectively managing conflict.
- Performance Management – Ability to set clear expectations, provide feedback, evaluate results, and support employee growth and accountability. Ability to track performance, assess progress toward objectives, and identify areas for improvement through data and observation.
Special Requirements/Licenses
- Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age.
- Must be able to fluently speak, write, read, and understand the English language.
- Must be able to successfully pass each category of the Fitness Program prior to employment as well as during annual testing.
- Must be able to wear a standard issued duty belt with all applicable gear.
- Must be able to pass a background investigation including fingerprint-based criminal history records inquiries to both the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
- Must be able to pass a psychological and physical examination with a drug screening.
- Must have never been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to an offense of domestic violence.
- Must maintain a working residential or cellular phone.
- Must not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in the Commonwealth.
- Must obtain and maintain for continued employment all State requirements for Police Officers as specified in Virginia Code; all federal and state requirements to carry a firearm; may require the ability to successfully gain other certifications as required.
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry, and credit check.
- Must possess or be eligible for a VA DMV driver’s license with no more than 6 demerit point and no DUI convictions.
- Possession of a valid Virginia Driver's License with zero or positive point balance; ability to obtain and maintain eligibility to hold a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge.
- Possession of, or ability to attain, Basic Law Enforcement Certification with the requirement to attend in-service training every 2-years for recertification to remain in compliance with DCJS Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) standards.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Shall not have been convicted of or pled guilty or no contest. to: (a) any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to petit larceny under § 18.2‑96, or any offense involving moral turpitude that would be a misdemeanor if committed in the Commonwealth.(b) any misdemeanor sex offense in the Commonwealth, another state, or the United States, including but not limited to sexual battery under § 18.2‑67.4 or consensual sexual intercourse with a minor 15 years of age or older under clause (ii) of § 18.2‑371;(c) domestic assault under § 18.2‑57.2 or any offense that would be domestic assault under the laws of another state or the United States.
- The person should have the ability to evaluate and learn about new systems quickly as they relate to law enforcement.
- As an essential employee, you are required to report to work in the event of an emergency or other critical situations, regardless of weather conditions, holidays, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- You may be called upon to perform tasks that ensure the safety, functionality, and stability of key operations during emergencies.
Beneficial Skills
- Background in or exposure to Lean Six Sigma methodology or other process improvement methodologies.
