Southwest firmly believes that our People are our greatest asset, and Leaders within the Company support our People by ensuring all have equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. The Director Dispatch Operations provides Leadership and direction, as well as strategic and tactical planning, for Dispatch Operations. They collaborate with various groups such as Flight Ops, Ground Ops, Safety, and other operating departments to ensure the highest level of Safety according to the Southwest Airlines Operations Specifications, Code of Federal Regulations, and Flight Operations Manual. The Director Dispatch Operations is an organized collaborator and detail-oriented thinker who is ready to help pilot the future of Southwest Airlines.

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.

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

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

Provide Leadership oversight and accountability for Dispatch
Create and articulate strategic vision for Dispatch as it fits within the NOC departmental goals
Audit Employee job performance to ensure accuracy and compliance with Company policies and government regulations
Attend government and industry meetings to develop new processes
Communicate changes in policy to the Dispatchers through the creation and distribution of Read before Dispatch bulletins
Provide Leadership and direction of the Flight Dispatch office to ensure that flight movements are operated and maintained efficiently
Monitor and ensure compliance with Dispatch guidelines, federal regulations, and Company policies
Cultivate, support, and promote an organizational culture that provides for high performance, high morale, integrity, teamwork, and work-life balance
Coach, mentor, conduct performance management and provide continuous feedback / on-going development of direct reports
Understand and navigate nuances of working with a workforce covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
Must be able to meet all physical requirements of this job description
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Expert knowledge of applicable CFRs, OpSpecs, and FAA Order 8900.1 as it pertains to dispatch, flight operations, and operational control
Advanced knowledge of Air Traffic Control procedures, Minimum Equipment List procedures, and B737 systems, limitations, and performance
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, Leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of People and resources
Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Skilled in considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
Skilled in Microsoft Office applications
Skilled in building and leading teams
Ability to collaborate with other internal departments on operational and regulatory issues
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups both verbally and in writing
Ability to demonstrate self-motivation and deliver results

Education

Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
Advanced level Business Acumen in People Leadership and Workforce Management
Seasoned and specialized knowledge in Dispatch operations
- FAA and DOT regulations, as well as substantial knowledge of interacting with government agencies
- Dispatch operations

Preferred: Experience in Flight Keys

Licensing/Certification

Required: Licensed as an Aircraft Dispatcher under federal guidelines

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 23 years of age in order to meet requirements of Dispatch certification
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary, and sensitive Company information
Ability to travel and work extended hours based on operational needs
Must meet all regulatory criteria to obtain and maintain Flight Deck Jump Seat access; this position requires successful and continuous enrollment in Rap Back.

Pay & Benefits

Competitive market salary from $196,317.00 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 Retirement Savings Plan 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 the plan’s vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan’s 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.

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
09/24/2025