About Our Job

Who We Are & What You’ll Do

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the third-busiest airport in the United States and one of the top ten busiest airports in the world, connecting our community globally through flight and business. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $47.2 billion for the region annually and employing nearly 37,000 people. At DEN, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We celebrate individuality and uplift all races, ethnicities, gender identities, national origins, ages, abilities, religion, and LGBTQIA+ communities. We know that our diversity makes us stronger, and we strive to keep Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) at the center of all that we do.

DEN is seeking an innovative and dynamic Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to spearhead the implementation of the CEO’s Vision and Strategy. As a vital member of our executive team, the CCO will be instrumental in translating our overarching vision into actionable strategies and goals.

In this senior leadership role, the CCO will provide strategic counsel and operational support to the CEO, utilizing exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to elevate the CEO’s priorities and foster positive outcomes for both the local and regional communities. This includes cultivating and managing strong relationships with major corporate partners, as well as engaging with the small and minority-owned business community, and labor organizations. This division supports DEN with a variety of services to include procurement of all contracts at DEN (expenditure and revenue) as well as sourcing of all the goods and related services to run a smooth operation. It oversees an inventory warehouse, copy center, manages moves and surplus across the campus as well as record retention requirements. This division also includes the Risk Management and Construction Safety teams who oversee all insurance policies and programs (i.e., Rolling Owner Controlled Insurance Programs – ROCIP), claims management, and construction safety at DEN.

The position is guided by a commitment to advancing equity in airport operations, including the diversification of contracting opportunities, greater accountability in vendor selection processes, and the creation of pathways for local, minority-, and women-owned businesses to participate in DEN’s continued growth.

The CCO will be responsible for leading the commercial operations strategy of the executive office, to drive high impact, equitable outcomes for Denver International Airport.   Additionally, the CCO will be responsible for:

• Business Operations: Examining and ensuring the work of the airports sustainability and compliance divisions are executed in collaboration with aviation and citywide standards
• Rental Car Business: Managing relationships and revenue streams with rental car companies operating within the airport, fostering strong partnerships and maximizing profitability.
• Westin Hotel: Overseeing and managing the relationship with the Westin Hotel at DEN, which is responsible for hotel and convention operations at the airport-owned property.
• Airline Affairs: Directing the team responsible for managing relationships with airline partners, negotiating use and lease agreements, optimizing gate and terminal allocation, and supporting air service development in collaboration with route planning and marketing teams. 
• Concessions: Providing strategic direction, planning, and oversight of DEN’s concessions program, encompassing food & beverage, retail, personal services, and specialty leasing.
• Additional Duties: Attending to other responsibilities as assigned or necessary to support the overall mission of the airport.

What You’ll Bring

We value diversity of ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, religion, language, ability, and experience and exemplify this through the makeup of our team at all levels. You'll be right at home here if you cultivate strong relationships and push yourself, your work, the people around you and Denver to the next level.

We are looking for candidates who possess some, or all, of the following experience, knowledge, skills and abilities: 

• 10+ years of demonstrated strategic leadership experience within large and complex matrix organizations. Experience in the airline/aviation industry is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage, negotiate, and implement contracts and relationships related to commercial operations at the Denver International Airport.

• Knowledge of infrastructure and security operations to be able to determine/implement priorities, goals and objectives of the organization.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex issues and provide actionable recommendations. 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, the business community, labor organizations, and department/division heads. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality. 

• Proven leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire staff, promote collaboration, and drive results. 

• High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information and matters. 

• Cultural competency and equity awareness: Given Denver's diverse community, the ideal candidate should possess cultural competency and awareness of equity issues. They should be able to develop communication strategies that resonate with diverse populations, promote inclusivity, and address equity considerations in messaging and engagement efforts. 

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a related field based on a specific position(s).
• Experience Requirement: Five (5) years of experience directing and managing a division, agency, or operation to include managing human capital (people), fiscal, operational, and strategic decisions.
• Education/Experience Equivalency: Two (2) years of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.
• Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

What We Offer

The City and County of Denver offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. The entire salary range for this position is $179,271 - $304,760/year. However, we are looking to hire within the range of $245,000 - $285,000/year. We also offer generous benefits for full-time employees which include but are 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 and 1 volunteer day per year
• 1 Wellness Day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

The City and County of Denver has announced furlough days, or unpaid days off, for most employees to meet a budget shortfall in 2025. If you receive an offer for this position, the timing of your hire and your annual pay will determine the amount of furlough days. Details will be discussed during the offer process for the selected candidate.  

Location & Schedule

In this position you can expect to work on site at Denver International Airport with flexibility to work virtually as determined by the CEO.

Application Deadline

This posting is expected to close at 11:59 PM on September 14, 2025.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

GX2862 Deputy Executive Director of Aviation

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$179,271.00 - $304,760.00

Target Pay

$245,000 - $285,000/year based on experience and education

Agency

Denver International Airport

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law. 

It is your right to access oral or written language assistance, sign language interpretation, real-time captioning via CART, or disability-related accommodations. To request any of these services at no cost to you, please contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice.

Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish.