"Chair, Commercial Aviation"

Chair, Commercial Aviation

Position Type: Administrative

Department: Department of Commercial Aviation

Posting Number: 201201670

Full or Part Time: Full Time

Tenure/Non-Tenure: Non-Tenure Track

Salary Basis: Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Responsibilities:

The Chair will provide strategic leadership for the planning, development, and safe, efficient delivery of next-generation aeronautical education. The next Chair will guide the division toward regional leadership in additional high-impact areas, including unmanned and advanced air mobility systems, agricultural aviation, air traffic control, and aviation management.

The successful candidate will:

• Promote faculty engagement in undergraduate and graduate program planning, curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation.
• Lead efforts to maintain Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accreditation and ensure full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
• Foster a culture of scholarly activity, faculty professional development, and the pursuit of external funding and grants.
• Oversee designated budgetary responsibilities.
• Drive initiatives to increase student enrollment and retention while upholding the highest standards of safety and academic excellence.
• Coordinate outreach and build strong relationships with industry partners and key external stakeholders.
• Supervise faculty, adjunct instructors, and program staff; maintain critical assets; and perform other duties as assigned by the dean.

Reporting to the Chair are all division faculty, adjunct professors, and program-related staff. The Chair will collaborate closely with the Dean, Flight Operations leadership, and other senior administrators on strategic planning, regularly communicating the division’s needs, opportunities, and risks. The Chair will also teach aviation courses as needed by the university.

Qualifications:

Candidates must hold at least a master’s degree in aviation or a related field from an accredited institution and have at least five years of experience in aviation or a related field. Excellent communication, teaching, leadership, and organizational skills are required.

Salary:

Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree and a minimum of 18 graduate credits to teach aviation management and related courses.
• Five years of experience in aviation or a related field, which includes evidence of contribution to the industry, overseeing budgets, personnel, and operations.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• Strategic management skills and professional acumen to oversee the department and engage with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and information management skills, including basic digital literacy, and the use of office management software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Effective track record of managing complex operations, including overseeing grants, partnerships, program development, fundraising, and external relations.
• Terminal degree in Aviation or related field. Research skills as demonstrated through peer-reviewed venues.
• Experience with flight training under FAA Part 141, 142, military, or equivalent.
• Successful track record of collegiate aviation teaching and academic leadership experience.
• Experience with maintaining specialized (AABI) and regional accreditation.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please include the names and contact information of 3-5 references. Letters of recommendation are optional. If you would like to add a letter of recommendation please upload them with your application under optional documents. You may also have them emailed to DSUHRJobs@deltastate.edu. Once letters are received we will add them to your application materials.

Open Date: 12/19/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: Click Here