What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Security position at Southwest Airlines?
Department: Safety & Security
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
Job Summary
Leads all aspects of Southwest Airlines’ operational security, acting as the key interface with federal government agencies and owning the overall direction of the Security Management System (SeMS) through alignment of the organization's strategic objectives and risk appetite.
Additional details
The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.
U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.
Model the Southwest Way
Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees
Adhere to Company Values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
Invest in leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development
Responsibilities
Leads and directs the Operational Security and Safety & Security Project and Technology Management teams at Southwest Airlines, providing strategic direction and oversight
Drive and develop the SeMS at SWA to include comprehensive risk assessments to identify and prioritize security threats and vulnerabilities, develop key performance indicators to ensure security practices comply with Southwest expectations and all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards
Lead the development and execution of threat intelligence programs, incorporating both classified and open-source data relevant to Southwest Airlines
Provide timely and accurate responses to information requests from Public Relations, Customer Relations, Investor Relations, Insurance, and other Commercial Departments
Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel at federal government regulatory, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies
Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of risk-based security program development and management
Serve as the Aircraft Operator Security Coordinator for Southwest Airlines as required and defined under 49 CFR 1544.215 for TSA regulatory purposes
Lead and direct all departmental project management and technology initiatives to ensure the successful delivery of all S&S program initiatives
Coach Leaders on developmental, performance, and career growth
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In-depth knowledge of TSA Security Programs, foreign government Security Programs, CBP requirements, and airline operations
Knowledge of technology security programs, such as Secure Flight, APIS, FCM, and MCL
Knowledge of the operational departments of a Part 121 major air carrier, including flight operations, maintenance, inflight, ground operations, and provisioning
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules as they relate to security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations
Skilled in effectively communicating in front of Senior and/or Executive Leadership
Ability to make immediate strategic decisions during crisis situations
Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and articles Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Advanced level of Business Acumen in the functional area
Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
Aviation security, including ground security, airport security program management, airline security program management, and/or government security program oversight and management
Working with DOD, FAA, DOT, OSHA, TSA, NTSB, DHS, CBP, CDC, FBI, CIA, regulatory, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies
Interpreting international and domestic security regulations (Title 49 CFR 1544, ICAO and IATA)
Licensing/Certification
N/A
Physical Abilities
Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Other Qualifications
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be able to travel as needed to support Southwest Airlines Emergency Response and normal business needs
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $171,900 per year to $191,000 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.
Benefits you’ll love:
Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.
Job Posting End Date
03/12/2025
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
Job Summary
Leads all aspects of Southwest Airlines’ operational security, acting as the key interface with federal government agencies and owning the overall direction of the Security Management System (SeMS) through alignment of the organization's strategic objectives and risk appetite.
Additional details
The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.
U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.
Model the Southwest Way
Guide and lead Team Members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage Employees
Adhere to Company Values and competencies to foster a Culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
Invest in leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development
Responsibilities
Leads and directs the Operational Security and Safety & Security Project and Technology Management teams at Southwest Airlines, providing strategic direction and oversight
Drive and develop the SeMS at SWA to include comprehensive risk assessments to identify and prioritize security threats and vulnerabilities, develop key performance indicators to ensure security practices comply with Southwest expectations and all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards
Lead the development and execution of threat intelligence programs, incorporating both classified and open-source data relevant to Southwest Airlines
Provide timely and accurate responses to information requests from Public Relations, Customer Relations, Investor Relations, Insurance, and other Commercial Departments
Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key personnel at federal government regulatory, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies
Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of risk-based security program development and management
Serve as the Aircraft Operator Security Coordinator for Southwest Airlines as required and defined under 49 CFR 1544.215 for TSA regulatory purposes
Lead and direct all departmental project management and technology initiatives to ensure the successful delivery of all S&S program initiatives
Coach Leaders on developmental, performance, and career growth
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
In-depth knowledge of TSA Security Programs, foreign government Security Programs, CBP requirements, and airline operations
Knowledge of technology security programs, such as Secure Flight, APIS, FCM, and MCL
Knowledge of the operational departments of a Part 121 major air carrier, including flight operations, maintenance, inflight, ground operations, and provisioning
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules as they relate to security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations
Skilled in effectively communicating in front of Senior and/or Executive Leadership
Ability to make immediate strategic decisions during crisis situations
Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and articles Education
Required: High School Diploma or GED
Experience
Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Advanced level of Business Acumen in the functional area
Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
Aviation security, including ground security, airport security program management, airline security program management, and/or government security program oversight and management
Working with DOD, FAA, DOT, OSHA, TSA, NTSB, DHS, CBP, CDC, FBI, CIA, regulatory, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies
Interpreting international and domestic security regulations (Title 49 CFR 1544, ICAO and IATA)
Licensing/Certification
N/A
Physical Abilities
Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
Other Qualifications
Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be able to travel as needed to support Southwest Airlines Emergency Response and normal business needs
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $171,900 per year to $191,000 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.
Benefits you’ll love:
Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.
Job Posting End Date
03/12/2025
Salary : $171,900 - $191,000
