Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Chair of the School of Aviation at Eastern Kentucky University holds a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s professional responsibility, integrity, and strategic execution. They collaborate closely with the College of Justice, Safety & Military Science and the university’s executive leadership to advocate for and promote the Aviation Program within the local, state, and national aviation community. With concentrations in Professional Flight, Aerospace Management, Aerospace Technology, and an emerging focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the Chair orchestrates the integration of diverse disciplines into the aviation curriculum, enhancing teaching methodologies, laboratory experiences, and delivery methods.

Instructional responsibilities include teaching one class per semester while overseeing faculty and staff within the program. Cultivating professional relationships within the aviation industry, exploring donor support, and identifying opportunities for program growth and enhancement are essential aspects of the role. The Chair spearheads efforts in student recruitment and retention, devises marketing strategies, and adapts to the evolving demands and trends of the aviation sector.

Resource management is another critical aspect, encompassing the acquisition and maintenance of aircraft, training devices, parts, fuel, and materials to meet program demands. The Chair takes charge of planning, developing, and maintaining accountability for departmental expenditures and budgets while fostering a culture of safety and compliance throughout the program. This multifaceted role requires a blend of leadership, industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and dedication to the advancement of aviation education and practice.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master's degree in an Aviation-related field from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution.

Experience: 3 years of post-secondary teaching experience in an aviation program (i.e. part 141 or 61) preferred.

• 3 years of academic administrative experience in a postsecondary institution preferred.
• Experience with faculty supervision including performance evaluation
• Experience in budget development and management
• Experience with enrollment management, curriculum/program development, and assessment.
• Experience in building collaborative community/workforce education partnerships.
• Experience with programmatic accreditation and/or regulatory compliance processes
Equivalencies
• Equivalent experience working with pilots, flight schools, corporate, military, or commercial flight activity is acceptable.

Licensure & Certifications: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) professional pilot certification (Commercial, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI)

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

• 25% - Ensure the professional representation of the Aviation Program to aviation industry partners, leaders and organizations within the local, state and national community as well as with the leadership of the College and University. Effectively recruit, hire, train, develop, and evaluate the Aviation program faculty and staff; handle personnel matters for all employees such as dismissal, discipline, demotion and promotion; counsel employees as necessary. - (Essential)
• 25% - Maintain full responsibility for the EKU aviation program, not limited to overall strategy and execution to include: Ensure compliance and applicability of flight training program as directed by FAA FAR Part 61 and 141 requirements established in program certificates. Effectively negotiate the purchase of necessary resources required to meet training requirements to include, but not limited to: aircraft, Advance Aircraft Training Devices, aircraft parts, material, fuel, oil and others as required - (Essential)
• 25% - Review and approve the unit budget actions to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines and University policy. Actively coordinate with staff, chief flight instructor, maintenance manager, flight operations support personnel, airport manager and third-party maintenance and aircraft providers to manage costs and expenditures to maintain fiscal constraints of the Aviation program - (Essential)
• 20% - Coordinate with the Dean’s Office and EKU Foundation to develop professional relationships with the aviation industry. Through these affiliations, explore donor support, program growth opportunities to expand curriculum, degree options, internship connections, and professional development needs of industry personnel. Collaborate with the Dean's office and staff on the development and management of the Aviation Programs assessment processes - (Essential)
• 5% - Supports the office functions by completing all other duties and special projects as assigned. - (Essential)