The Executive Director of Aviation Technology is a key executive leadership role in advancing the School of Aeronautics’ mission to equip, mentor, and send Champions for Christ into the aerospace community. The position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, resource management, and regulatory compliance for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) training, UAS operations, simulator operations, and the integration of new aviation technologies into existing and future School of Aeronautics programs.

The role leads a team of directors who oversee UAS training and operations, simulator resources, and 14 CFR Part 60 and Part 107 compliance. Leads the evaluation, testing, and adoption of emerging aviation technologies, ensuring alignment with training objectives, operational needs, and future workforce demands. The Executive Director also oversees a $3M+ operational budget and the lifecycle planning for training resources, including 35+ simulation devices ($4M+) and 15+ UAS, as well as procurement, integration, sustainment, and modernization to support current and future mission requirements. The EDAT is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships with industry partners and federal, state, and local agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides strategic leadership for aviation technology programs and capabilities, including UAS operations, simulator operations, and the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with the School of Aeronautics mission, workforce needs, and academic programs.
• Provides executive oversight of UAS and simulator operations through subordinate directors, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all training and operational activities in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and university policies.
• Directs and oversees the operational budget, planning, development, and lifecycle management of aviation technology resources, including simulators, UAS platforms, and supporting systems, ensuring effective procurement, integration, sustainment, and modernization.
• Leads the strategic advancement and integration of innovative aviation technologies and applied research initiatives to enhance training effectiveness and operational capability.
• Collaborates with Associate Deans, Executive Directors, and external partners to align operations, facilities planning, and technology integration, while fostering strategic relationships that support program growth, student success, and a positive student experience.
• Establishes and cultivates strategic partnerships with industry and local, regional, and federal government stakeholders to advance the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies, develop new vendor relationships, influence relevant policy and regulatory initiatives, and expand into new and emerging training markets.
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises three (3) Directors. Indirectly supervises 15+ employees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, Aerospace, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aviation technology, UAS operations, simulation, or a related aerospace field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training, flight operations, UAS training, UAS operations, aviation maintenance training management, or experience in 14 CFR Part 60 FAA National Simulator Program (NSP) management.
• Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: UAS operations and training; Flight simulation and training technologies; Aviation systems or emerging aerospace technologies

Preferred:

• FAA Certification: (UAS, and/or Commercial, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI and/or A&P and IA).
• 10 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training, flight operations, UAS, or maintenance training management.
• Proven experience collaborating across academic, operational, and external stakeholder environments.