Department Chair, Aviation

Program Director
Aviation

Full-time, 10-Month, Exempt Position

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Program Director will provide leadership for the Aviation program. Reporting to the Dean, the Director will be responsible for growing and ensuring the quality and integrity of the programs, managing the program budgets, and promoting assessment and continuous quality improvement. The Director must thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, support community engagement, and work to build relationships with industry partners.

Start date: As soon as filled

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Physical presence on campus is required to promote the experiential nature of programs. 
• Be directly involved with building undergraduate and graduate program enrollment and work closely with the admissions office to support their enrollment needs.
• Provide service activities such as curriculum development, program assessment, program accreditation, program development, recruitment, and leadership.
• Directly manage Program faculty and mentoring, training, recruitment (for both on campus and online), retention, development, and yearly evaluations.
• Develop undergraduate and graduate class schedules and faculty and adjunct faculty workload assignments for the Vice President of Academic Affairs’ approval. 
• Oversee program’s course development or course revision schedule.
• Serve on college-wide and departmental committees as needed and as assigned, including participation on Faculty Senate, to advance the Program and university.
• Develop and secure internship opportunities for students.
• Provide academic advising and registration assistance for program students. 

PROGRAM SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Champion the full implementation of the University’s flight program.
• Act as the University liaison with associated flight school(s).
• Provide a University interface with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on all matters dealing with regulations, Part 141 curriculum, and airspace issues.
• Guide the development and implementation of the classroom Part 141 curriculum in concert with the Flight School curriculum. 
• Provide oversight, as necessary, for inspections and/or reviews by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and annual Aviation faculty security testing.
• Coordinate and ensure the University has an insurance contract for flight students and travel.
  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS : 

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in Aviation or a closely related discipline (Business, Engineering, Technology, or aviation related). 
• Possess a successful record in education and professional service.
• Demonstrate successful leadership in education and professional service.
• Possess ability to recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty and staff.
• Possess ability to work effectively with all stakeholders to develop the Program's vision, and integrate it with the vision and plans of the Academic Program and University.
• Must be committed to diversity among students, faculty, and staff.
• Possess ability to communicate effectively with all constituents including students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni.
• Administrative and teaching experience as well as professional experience in a related field.
• Must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. 

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED : 

• Minimum of 1000 hours Pilot-in-Command [PIC] or 5 years of industry experience in lieu of flight hours for flight specialty 
• Appropriate FAA Flight Instructor certificate (CFI or CFII) or Military Equivalent
• Must have extensive knowledge of airspace and FAA regulatory issues.           

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS DESIRED : 

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
• One of the following: American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), AAAE Certified Member (C.M.), AAAE Certified Employee (A.C.E.)
• Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
• Appropriate FAA Remote Pilot certificate (Part 107) or Military Equivalent 
• Risk Management or Safety Management instructor certificate.
• Appropriate FAA Remote Pilot certificate (Part 107) or Military Equivalent 
• Demonstrated experience in aviation operations and safety.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Requires sitting or standing occasionally for extended periods of time, and repetitive motions for operating computer mouse and keyboard.  Requires ability to push, pull, bend, grasp, and occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. Requires ability to hear and effectively communicate on the telephone, in the online learning environment, and in person. Visual demands: viewing computer monitor and reading.