Job Details
Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs
Cuesta College
Salary: $113,316.00 - $137,736.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time - 12 Months/ 100% FTE
Job Number: FY[contact details available in the full listing]
Location: San Luis Obispo Campus, CA
Department: Instruction
Closing: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description Summary
DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of an assigned administrator, the Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs provides leadership in the oversight of daily functions of educational programs related to the aviation and aerospace industries, ensuring compliance with program-specific regulations, accreditation standards, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
The Director is responsible for maintaining continuous FAA approval under the Code of Federal Regulations applicable to each program (e.g., 14 CFR Parts 107, 108, and 147), as defined in the FAA-approved Program Manual submitted as a condition of certification, and serves as the primary liaison to the FAA. The Program Director is responsible for regulatory compliance, safety oversight, and student eligibility for federal aviation license certification.
In addition to oversight of current educational programs in aviation, this position leads the development, expansion, and implementation of new aviation and aerospace programs and related certificate and degree pathways.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs is distinguished from other management positions by the requirement to meet FAA qualifications and serve as the primary institutional liaison through the local Flight Standards District Office. The incumbent must possess thorough knowledge of all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and accreditation standards governing certified aviation and aerospace programs.
Incumbents support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by effectively responding to the needs of the local service area, strengthening partnerships with community and industry agencies, and providing students with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the aviation and aerospace industries. The Director exercises administrative responsibility for program safety systems, budget, facilities, faculty coordination, and expansion of new aviation and aerospace offerings.
Essential Functions & Qualifications
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Oversight
- Oversee the administrative functions of assigned educational programs, including Aviation Maintenance Technician;
- Ensure compliance with FAA regulations by submitting required reports and coordinating inspections for training locations;
- Maintain knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, and accreditation standards;
- Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA through the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO);
- Collaborate with program faculty to ensure curriculum alignment with relevant standards;
- Develop and host an advisory committee as needed to support each educational program and ensure alignment with workforce needs and employment trends;
- Develop, manage, and monitor assigned program budgets, including instructional supplies, aircraft, tooling, equipment, materials, and specialized facilities;
- Collaborate with the Dean and Division Chair to develop instructional schedules and recommend assignments to ensure FAA compliance and instructor authorization alignment;
- Maintain a master list of all instructors with the required qualifications to teach assigned courses and subjects and authorization records required for FAA inspection;
- Track and report enrollment trends, attrition points, and completion data to identify regulatory, scheduling, or instructional barriers impacting student persistence;
- Maintain administrative responsibility for aviation program safety systems, including FAA safety requirements, Cal-OSHA compliance, and the College's Injury and Illness Prevention Program;
- Track the pass rate for certification examinations, monitor pass rates against the minimum standard required under FAA regulations, and work with program faculty to address program content, as needed; and
- Conduct end-of-course surveys and utilize data in collaboration with faculty to support program outcomes;
Program Expansion and Accreditation
- Lead the development and launch of new educational programs supporting the aviation and aerospace industries;
- Support curriculum development, perform regulatory analysis, and coordinate facilities planning and staffing for new and expanded aviation offerings;
- Work with academic leadership to ensure programs meet College policies, CA Educational Code, Title 5, and ACCJC accreditation standards required for approval, program review, and financial aid eligibility;
- Initiate documentation and support institutional accreditation and substantive change processes, as needed, related to aviation and aerospace programs;
- Lead the development of recruitment strategies for new and emerging aviation and aerospace programs; and
- Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Required
Bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace, business, education, management, or similar field from an accredited institution;
Preferred
Master's degree from an accredited college or university;
Experience:
Required
Minimum three years of experience in an aviation or aerospace leadership and/or managerial role within an organization holding an FAA Air Agency Certificate;
Preferred
Development of new programs at the community college level, including courses, certificates and degrees;
Coordinating of student recruitment and retention efforts within a college or technical training environment; and
Familiarity with the accreditation process and compliance with educational and aviation standards;
Knowledge of:
Federal Aviation Administration regulations and requirements applicable to 14 CFR Part 147 certificated training programs;
Enrollment management principles, including student recruitment, retention, cohort progression, and completion in structured technical programs;
Budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource management for programs involving specialized equipment and facilities;
District policies and procedures related to compliance, reporting, and institutional accountability;
Current technologies and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;
Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and
District policies and procedures.
Ability to:
Understand, interpret, and apply FAA regulations and requirements within an instructional and institutional setting;
Serve as the designated Program Director and effectively interact with FAA inspectors, regulators, and external auditors;
Exercise sound professional judgment in safety-critical and compliance-driven environments with significant institutional liability;
Communicate complex regulatory, accreditation, and operational requirements clearly to faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders;
Build and maintain productive relationships with industry partners, advisory committees, workforce agencies, and veterans' organizations;
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
Physical ability to:
Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and
Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.
Additional Requirements:
Provide own transportation and travel countywide.
License and Certificates (current within the last year or must be continuously current):
Required
Valid driver's license and eligible to obtain California driver's license upon hire.
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