Director, School of Aeronautics (Professor, Aeronautics/Aviation Science)

Job no: 986261
Position type: Staff/Unclassified
Location: Kent Campus - Kent, OH
Division/Equivalent: Dean CAE - Kent Campus [100360]
Categories: Full-time

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Job Title:

Director, School
Physical Location:

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH 

Salary:

 

Basic Function:

To provide academic and administrative leadership for an academic school.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

  Kent State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the School of Aeronautics in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE). This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenured faculty position at the rank of Professor, with a renewable five-year administrative appointment. The preferred start date is January 2026, though a later start date will be considered. 

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Develop, update, implement, and coordinate teaching, research, and service missions of the school.

Oversee budgetary, personnel, and program activities of the school; coordinate faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment reviews and make recommendations to College Dean.

Oversee development, implementation, and revision of new and existing academic programs; oversee curriculum development; coordinate faculty workloads; develop course schedule.

Represent and promote school within the University and external community.

Oversee student advising; may advise graduate and undergraduate students.

May oversee internship, scholarship, or grant programs.

May serve as building curator.

Serve on department, division, and University committees.

Provide leadership and oversight of a large/complex department (e.g., department with multiple units).


Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

  

The Director is expected to: 

  • Develop and execute a strategic vision for the School of Aeronautics that aligns with the mission of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. 

  • Guide continued growth in undergraduate and graduate programs, including the development of new degree pathways and research opportunities. 

  • Build research capacity and scholarly productivity in aviation systems, operations, and policy, including through CAAM and externally funded initiatives. 

  • Promote interdisciplinary and experiential learning across flight training, ATC, UAS, and aviation management. 

  • Strengthen collaboration with industry, government, and global partners. 

  • Collaborate with the Dean on philanthropic outreach and alumni engagement efforts. 

  • Represent the School with airline, agency, and legislative partners to support aviation workforce development. 

  • Manage budgets, personnel, program accreditation, airport facilities, and internal operations effectively and transparently. 

  • Support program accreditation and continuous improvement processes in alignment with university, state, and national standards. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Terminal degree in one of the disciplines of the school and experience generally commensurate to the rank of full professor.

OR

Significant academic or equivalent professional experience generally commensurate to the rank of full professor.

  • An earned doctorate in aeronautics, aviation, aerospace, or a closely related field. 

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in aviation education, academic operations, and regulatory engagement. 

  • Familiarity with FAA regulations and collegiate aviation standards (e.g., CTI, flight curriculum, safety and compliance). 

  • A record of excellence in teaching, training, curriculum development, and applied or sponsored research. 

  • Commitment to fostering a collaborative and welcoming academic environment that encourages diversity of thought and constructive dialogue. 

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Academic programs; budgeting; personnel matters to include faculty relations and university governance; personal computer applications

Skill In:

Written and interpersonal communication

Ability To:

Provide leadership and direction; analyze situations and develop effective solutions

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Qualifications should be commensurate to be appointed at the rank of full professor within the school.

  • FAA licensure (e.g., commercial pilot or ATP certificate) or significant professional experience in regulated flight environments. 

  • Experience managing or advising university-based flight programs or airports. 

  • Engagement in industry partnerships, aviation policy, or professional aviation organizations. 

  • Experience mentoring faculty and operational staff and managing aviation-related budgets and infrastructure. 

 

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

 

Working Schedule:

 

Additional Information:

  

Applicants should submit the following materials in PDF format: 

  • Curriculum Vitae 

  • Cover Letter summarizing leadership qualifications, aviation-related experience, and interest in the position 

  • Leadership Statement addressing the candidate’s leadership philosophy, aviation training and operational priorities, and vision for the School of Aeronautics 

  • Names and contact information for five references 

 To be guaranteed consideration, candidates should apply by Friday, September 5th. Applications will be reviewed beginning on this date and will continue until the position is filled. 

Preferred start date: January 2026 

 

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Application close: Eastern Daylight Time

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