Department Specialist-Aviation (FT)

If you're exploring new career opportunities or seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment, consider Mercer County Community College (MCCC). As a publicly supported institution committed to open access and student success, MCCC strives to attract, retain, and support a highly skilled and collaborative workforce—our most valuable asset.

At Mercer, campus culture and belonging are celebrated, and our sense of community is deeply rooted in both our mission and daily practices. With two distinct campuses—the James Kerney Campus in the heart of Trenton and our expansive 292-acre West Windsor Campus just six miles away—MCCC offers the benefits of a robust institution with the close-knit feel of a true community.

In addition to meaningful work and a supportive culture, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes credit course tuition waivers for themselves, their spouses, and dependents—making higher education more accessible for the whole family. With 69 degree programs and 35 credit certificate options, there are countless ways to grow with us—both personally and professionally.

JOB DUTIES

Reporting to the Associate Provost, the Aviation Department Specialist provides administrative and operational support to ensure the effective delivery of the Aviation Program. This position coordinates daily department operations, manages student registration and compliance documentation, and serves as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners. 
The Specialist plays a key role in maintaining FAA Part-141 compliance, supporting accreditation activities, and facilitating communication between the college and its flight training partner. By leveraging organizational skills, technology, and strong customer service, this role directly contributes to student success and program growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is illustrative ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.  It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned.

• Coordinate daily operations for the Aviation Department, including office management, scheduling, and communications.
• Manage aviation registration processes and assist with enrollment for classroom and flight courses.
• Maintain student records and required FAA/TSA documentation; coordinate orientation sessions for new students.
• Serve as primary point of contact for prospective and current aviation students regarding program requirements, costs, and registration.
• Assist in hiring, contracting, and scheduling flight instructors under program leadership direction.
• Track student progress, advise on degree audits, and coordinate interventions for academic or operational challenges.
• Maintain communication with Infinity Flight Group and other industry partners for scheduling, billing, and program alignment.
• Support accreditation and assessment activities, including data collection, reporting, and preparation for site visits.
• Participate in recruitment events and provide coverage for the Aviation Office during staff absences.
• Compile and report student achievement data for institutional effectiveness and accreditation purposes.
• Facilitate faculty/staff meetings, maintain minutes, and follow up on action items.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Aviation Program Coordinator or Department Chair.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office-based role, primarily on campus (West Windsor) and occasional visits to Trenton-Mercer Airport.
• Regular business hours, with occasional evening/weekend work for events.
• Some travel to the airport facility may be required.
• Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities span both campuses for all MCCC positions.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Positions in this class typically require: the ability to use a keyboard, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Sedentary Work:Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of administrative office practices, procedures, and workflow management.
• Ability to coordinate daily department operations and maintain efficient workflows.
• Ability to maintain accurate, confidential, and compliant student records.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing operational needs, schedules, and regulatory updates.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and external flight training partners.
• Ability to learn and apply FAA, TSA, accreditation, and institutional compliance requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Previous administrative experience in higher education.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with student information systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student data (e.g., FAA medical, TSA documentation).
• Attention to detail, especially with regulatory compliance and record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to attend occasional evening or weekend events (e.g., open houses, orientation).

• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Aviation Management, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Administrative experience in a technical or aviation-related program.
• Familiarity with aviation industry standards and processes (e.g., FAA Part-141, pilot certification, flight training operations).
• Knowledge of accreditation processes (e.g., AABI) and institutional effectiveness reporting.