DIRECTOR OF FLIGHT DISPATCH
Department: Operations Control Center (OCC)
Reports To: Vice President, Operations Control Center Position
SUMMARY
The Director of Dispatch provides strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Dispatch function within the Operations Control Center (OCC). This role is responsible for ensuring dispatch operations are executed safely, efficiently, and consistently, while fostering a proactive, forward thinking culture aligned with OCC core values.
The Director of Dispatch is expected to anticipate operational challenges, identify risks before they impact the operation, and lead the team in taking preventive, rather than reactive, action. This position serves as a people leader, operational authority, and key partner to OCC leadership, reporting directly to the Vice President of the OCC.
KEY RESPONSIBLITIES
Operational Leadership (Proactive Focus):
● Lead the daily operations of the Dispatch team, ensuring all flights are properly planned, released, monitored, and supported in accordance with regulatory requirements and company standards
● Maintain continuous situational awareness of active and upcoming operations, proactively identifying weather, airspace, staffing, or aircraft constraints before they impact the schedule
● Anticipate irregular operations (IROPS) and guide the team in implementing mitigation strategies in advance whenever possible
● Serve as the primary escalation point for dispatch-related operational issues, providing calm, decisive leadership during time-sensitive situations
● Ensure effective shift handoffs and forward-looking planning across all operating periods
Team Leadership & Culture:
● Lead, mentor, and develop the Dispatch team with an emphasis on proactive thinking, ownership, and accountability
● Set clear expectations for performance, decision-making, and professional conduct within the OCC
● Conduct performance evaluations and provide regular coaching and feedback
● Build a culture where dispatchers are empowered to identify risks early, communicate concerns, and propose solutions
Training & Standardization :
● Develop, implement, and maintain standardized training programs that emphasize proactive operational decision-making
● Ensure all dispatch procedures, manuals, and training materials are current, accurate, and consistently applied
● Identify trends, performance gaps, or procedural inconsistencies and address them through targeted training or process improvements
● Promote best practices and continuous improvement within the Dispatch function
Compliance & Quality Oversight:
● Ensure Dispatch operations comply with all applicable FAA regulations, safety requirements, and internal policies
● Partner with Safety, Compliance, and OCC leadership during audits, reviews, and investigations
● Monitor operational data and dispatcher performance to proactively identify risk areas and improvement opportunities
Cross-Functional & Strategic Collaboration:
● Serve as the Dispatch representative within OCC leadership discussions and planning initiatives
● Collaborate closely with Maintenance, Flight Crews, Concierge, and other operational teams to ensure alignment and operational readiness
● Provide the VP of the OCC with operational insights, trend analysis, and recommendations related to Dispatch performance and staffing
Qualifications:
● Valid FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (required)
● Extensive experience in aircraft dispatch, flight operations, or operational control (Part 135 or similar environment preferred)
● Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within an operations or dispatch environment
● Strong working knowledge of flight planning, flight following, weather analysis, and irregular operations
● Proven ability to develop and maintain training programs and operational standards
● Strong decision-making skills with the ability to anticipate issues and act proactively
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Key Competencies:
● Proactive operational leadership
● Risk anticipation and mitigation
● Team development and coaching
● Training and standardization
● Cross-functional collaboration
● Calm, decisive leadership in high-tempo environment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
