Associate Director, Flight Department

The Opportunity

The Associate Director (AD) of the Flight Department provides operational leadership and administrative oversight for the University's flight training program. The AD assists the Director in managing the daily operations of the department, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective flight training while supporting the University's mission of academic excellence, student success, regulatory compliance, and industry engagement.

The AD serves as a key member of the Flight Department leadership team and acts on behalf of the Director as assigned. Responsibilities include supervision of flight instructors and staff, oversight of scheduling and resource utilization, coordination with academic and operational departments, and implementation of departmental strategic initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Department Administration

• Assist the Director in the daily management and administration of the Flight Department.

• Provide leadership and supervision for assigned operational and administrative personnel.

• Serve as acting Director in the Director's absence.

• Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.

• Participate in department, college, and university committees as assigned.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.

Flight and Maintenance Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of flight training and aircraft maintenance activities.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, university policies, accreditation standards, and safety management system (SMS) requirements.

• Coordinate aircraft utilization, instructor staffing, and scheduling to maximize operational efficiency.

• Monitor operational performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

• Assist in emergency response planning and operational risk management.

Personnel Leadership

• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, scheduling, and evaluating flight instructors, maintenance personnel and administrative staff.

• Foster a professional culture emphasizing safety, customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Coordinate professional development opportunities for department personnel.

• Support performance management and corrective action processes when necessary.

Student Success

• Assist in implementing and supervising student advising processes related to flight training progression.

• Monitor student performance, retention, and completion metrics.

• Collaborate with academic advisors, faculty, and student services to support student success.

• Address student concerns and facilitate timely resolution of operational issues.

Academic Support

• Collaborate with academic leadership to align flight training with degree program requirements.

• Assist in scheduling courses, assigning instructors, and maintaining instructional records.

• Support curriculum implementation and continuous program assessment.

• Participate in accreditation activities and program reviews as required.

Budget and Resource Management

• Assist in preparing and administering departmental operating budgets.

• Monitor expenditures and recommend efficient use of university resources.

• Coordinate equipment, aircraft, simulator, and facility utilization.

• Support long-range planning for fleet, technology, and facility improvements.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Promote and maintain a strong culture of aviation safety.

• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 141 requirements and applicable federal, state, and university regulations.

• Support internal audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews.

• Maintain required operational documentation and records.

External Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and aviation organizations.

• Represent the department at university events, recruiting activities, conferences, and professional meetings.

• Support internship, employment, and partnership initiatives benefiting students and the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or a closely related field.

• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land ratings.

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in collegiate or professional flight training.

• Minimum three years of supervisory or management experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA Part 141 flight training operations.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aviation, Education, Business Administration, or related discipline.

• FAA Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).

• Experience managing university flight operations.

• Experience with Safety Management Systems (SMS).

• Experience with accreditation and regulatory compliance.

• Budget management experience.

• Experience using flight scheduling and training management software (e.g., Flight Schedule Pro, Talon, ETA, or similar).