Director of Aviation Programs

Delaware State University, United States

Updated: 7 days ago
Location: Dover, DELAWARE


General Description of the Position

The College of Business at Delaware State University is seeking a dynamic, experienced professional to become the next Director of Aviation Programs.   Students completing the aviation program receive a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Aviation Management, Professional Pilot or Professional Helicopter Pilot.  With affordable lab fees, its own fleet of 26 aircraft and experienced instructors, Delaware State University provides the best collegiate flight education opportunity on the east coast of the United States.   Classes are primarily taught on the main campus and flight training is taught at the Delaware Airpark facilities.


Essential Functions & Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Provide the strategic vision, goals, and objectives for the Aviation Program.
  • Providing safety and managerial oversight for all aviation programs, Faculty and Staff, academic and ground courses, flight training, Delaware Airpark activities, course scheduling, and classroom teaching.   
  • Responsible for all budget management (including projections) and execution for the Aviation Program.
  • Responsible for the management of all Aviation Program foundation’s accounts.
  • Establishing and management of policies and procedures (i.e., Training Course Outline (TCO), Flight Operations Manual (FOM), Safety Practices and Procedures Manual, etc.) for the efficient execution of flight training of students.  
  • Hiring authority for all CFIs, Adjunct Instructors, student workers.
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with the FAA, Part 121 and 135 operators, aviation industry partners, various affinity groups and community leaders.
  • Pursuing, authoring, management, and execution of all aviation grant-related activities.
  • Responsible for the promotion, marketing, fund-raising activities, and creation of promotional materials.
  • Recruiting activities and the establishment of pipelines for students to flow into the Aviation Program.
  • All phases of academic and career advising of Aviation Management, Professional Pilot and Professional Helicopter Pilot concentration majors.
  • Establishing relationships with aviation operators to facilitate individual scholarships and internship placements to all Aviation Program students.
  • Airman’s Certification Representative (ACR) for the Aviation Program’s self-examining authority of six (6) FAA Certifications.
  • Director of the JROTC Summer Flight Academy’s 8-week FAA Private Pilot Certification training.
  • Instructor of Record for the Helicopter Flight Training Program. This includes recruiting for this unique program.
  • Plan, coordinate and chaperone students on field trips and participation at aviation conference events and seminars.
  • Plan, coordinate and host the annual Aviation Management Summit.
  • Responsible for the aircraft fleet standardization along with lifecycle management of the avionics and aircraft.
  • Working to ensure compliance and enhance the level of the department to meet Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) standards.
  • Set the conditions to become the preferred choice for Aviation Education of collegiate students.
  • Establish 100% career placement for graduates of the Aviation Program, within 12-months of graduation.
  • Voting member of the Delaware Aviation Advisory Council for the Secretary of Transportation.  
  • Member of the Chair’s Council and the Faculty Senate.
  • Member of the HBCU Aviation Director’s Consortium.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as directed by the Dean of the College of Business.
  • Reports to the Dean of the College of Business and Chair of the Accounting, Economics and Finance Department as required to effectively coordinate services to students, Staff and Faculty.


    • Qualification Standards

  • Master’s degree in an appropriate field.
  • Effective teaching skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Administrative and budget management experience.
  • FAA Commercial/Instrument pilot certificate or higher.
  • Bold, strategic vision to advance the program to the next level.
    • Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in a related field from an accredited university.
  • Part 135, Part 121 or military flight instructor experience.
  • University flight program teaching or administrative experience.
  • Airline Transport Pilot rating.

    • EEO Statement

    Delaware State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.

    Equal opportunity employer/program'' and “auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities''. 


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