Role Summary
The Flight Program Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial performance of the flight school. The Flight Program Director ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, university policies, and industry standards while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and excellence. As the primary representative of the flight school, the Flight Program Director maintains strong relationships with the university, regulatory…
agencies and airport management.
The Flight Program Director reports to the Chair of the Department of Aeronautics and the CSU CFO. The Flight Program Director supervises the Director of Maintenance, Director of Training, Chief Flight Instructor, Director of Operations, Safety Manager and the Flight School Administrator.
About Us, CSUA’s Flight Program
CSUA delivers flight training for the Part 141, Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics – Professional Pilot program, operating out of Summerville and Moncks Corner airports in South Carolina. Our fleet includes Diamond and Tecnam aircraft, supported by Redbird and Frasca flight simulators. Established in 2021, CSUA is South Carolina’s first bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics that permits graduates to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,000 hours, preparing them for a career in aviation.
Benefits and Compensation
- Compensation: Full-time, $96,000 per year, exempt
- Benefits: Employer subsidized Medical, Dental and Vision, 401(k) plan with 5% matching
- Paid Time Off: 1 week per semester (3 semesters per year) and all CSU holidays
Overview
- Strategic Vision: Define and execute the long-term mission and strategic goals of the flight school in alignment with university objectives.
- Resource Acquisition: Identify and secure critical infrastructure and capital assets, including aircraft, office space, and hangar facilities.
- Strategic Growth & Staffing: Direct comprehensive hiring plans to ensure all departments—flight, maintenance, and admin—are staffed to meet enrollment demands.
- Executive Oversight: Manage the performance of senior leadership, including Directors of Maintenance, Training, Operations, and the Chief Flight Instructor.
- Administrative Management: Directly supervise the full-time Flight School Administrator to ensure high-level operational synchronization and efficient workflows.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to FAA, TSA, VA, and university policies, overseeing all inspections, audits, and mandatory reporting.
- Safety Culture: Promote a top-down culture of safety, prioritizing the implementation and continuous monitoring of the Safety Management System (SMS).
- Operational Excellence: Establish and monitor organizational KPIs to maintain the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
- Student Success: Oversee student record management and progress reporting to university leadership, ensuring students meet both educational and FAA requirements.
- Financial Stewardship: Manage the flight school budget, including flight lab fee pricing, cost controls, and long-term financial sustainability.
- Leadership Development: Lead performance management and recruitment for all senior staff to foster a collaborative and professional work environment.
Detailed Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Develop and execute the long-term vision, mission, and strategic goals of the flight school in alignment with university objectives.
- Provide leadership in establishing policies, procedures, and organizational priorities.
- Evaluate and adjust strategies to address changes in the aviation training industry, regulatory environment, and university goals.
Resource Acquisition
- Identify and secure resources, including the acquisition of aircraft, and office and hangar facilities.
- Direct the strategic hiring plan, ensuring the department is adequately staffed across flight, maintenance, and administrative functions to meet enrollment demands.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee the performance of the Director of Maintenance, Director of Training, Chief Flight Instructor, and Director of Operations, ensuring each department operates efficiently and effectively.
- Directly manage the full-time Flight School Administrator, delegating administrative workflows while ensuring high-level operational synchronization.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure operational excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies including FAA, TSA, VA, accreditation, and university policies.
Safety and Compliance
- Promote a culture of safety and ensure that all operations prioritize safety above all else.
- Ensure implementation and monitoring of SMS.
- Ensure regulatory compliance for all training and maintenance operations, including timely FAA inspections, audits, and reporting.
Student Progress and Success
- Supervise the Flight School Administrator in the management of student records and the timely reporting of progress to university leadership, ensuring seamless alignment between training objectives and FAA requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to the training department in addressing any barriers to student success, fostering an environment that prioritizes educational excellence and career readiness.
Financial and Business Management
- Prepare and manage the flight school’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with university goals.
- Oversee flight lab fee pricing, cost controls, and financial reporting to the university.
Human Resources and Leadership Development
- Lead recruitment, retention, and performance management of senior staff, including department heads and direct reports.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional work environment across all teams
- Support the professional development of staff and cultivate leadership succession planning
Stakeholder Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison between the flight school and the University’s Department of Aeronautics.
- Represent the flight school at industry conferences, events, and partnerships to enhance its reputation and visibility.
- Establish and maintain relationships with aviation industry partners, alumni, and local community organizations.
Administrative Duties
- Oversee administrative functions, including scheduling, record-keeping, and compliance documentation.
- Provide regular reports to university leadership on operational performance, safety metrics, and financial health.
- Address escalated concerns from students, staff, or other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner
Qualifications
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in business, aviation, or a related field preferred.
- Proven leadership experience in the aviation or flight training industry.
- In-depth knowledge of FAA regulations (Parts 61, 91, and 141) and compliance requirements.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- (see the Statement of Purpose below for additional qualifications)