Chair-Aviation

The Chair of the Department of Aviation provides visionary, academic, and operational leadership for a growing aviation program that includes a Part 141 FAA-approved Flight School and a Part 147 Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance School. The Chair also serves as Airport Manager for the university-owned airpark, ensuring FAA and MDOT Aeronautics compliance and coordinating day-to-day airfield operations. The ideal candidate combines academic leadership with operational excellence and a commitment to safety, student development, and industry relevance.

Qualifications summary

• Master’s degree in Aviation, or related field preferred


• Vision for Adventist aviation education


• Strong organizational, communication, and team-building skills


• Minimum 5 years of experience in aviation programs


• FAA Flight or A&P certifications


• Knowledge of FAA regulations governing Part 141, Part 147, and airport operations preferred

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Duties and responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Provide strategic direction and academic oversight for all aviation programs (Flight and A&P).


• Supervise curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation processes (including FAA audits).


• Lead faculty hiring, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development.


• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven academic culture that supports teaching excellence, student success, and industry relevance.


• Coordinate academic advising, student recruitment, retention, and graduation efforts in partnership with university offices.

Program Oversight – Part 141 & 147

• Ensure ongoing FAA compliance and quality for the Part 141 Flight Training Program and the Part 147 A&P Maintenance Program.


• Supervise the Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Maintenance.


• Oversee the development and maintenance of training syllabi, aircraft scheduling, instructor assignments, and simulator usage.


• Ensure A&P training facilities, labs, tools, and instructional materials are maintained at high standards.

Airport Management

• Serve as the Airport Manager for the university-owned airpark.


• Ensure airport compliance with aviation safety and operational regulations.


• Oversee runway, hangar, and facilities management, including snow removal, mowing, lighting, fueling operations, and maintenance scheduling.


• Serve as liaison with FAA, MDOT Aeronautics, and local community.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

• Develop and manage department budgets, aligning resources with strategic goals.


• Coordinate fleet acquisition, maintenance schedules, simulator upgrades, and facility improvements.


• Lead efforts in grant writing, fundraising, and cultivating industry partnerships.


• Represent the department in university committees, advisory board, and external industry organizations.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety across flight and maintenance operations.


• Oversee safety reporting systems, risk management, and regulatory documentation.


• Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and followed by faculty, staff, and students.

Supervisory responsibilities

Supervision of faculty, staff, and student workers.

Chairs committees, develops policies and procedures for the Department of Aviation, oversees Airpark management and curriculum development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aviation, or related field preferred


• Vision for Adventist aviation education


• Strong organizational, communication, and team-building skills


• Minimum 5 years of experience in aviation programs


• FAA Flight or A&P certifications


• Knowledge of FAA regulations governing Part 141, Part 147, and airport operations preferred

Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.

Technical competencies

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn the related to FAA and Andrews University systems and software.

Interpersonal interactions

Experience working in a complex and diverse organization.

Demonstrated servant leadership, characterized by a positive attitude, integrity, collegiality, and transparency.

Conflict management and resolution skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and move about from office to office; type, write, carry; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Additionally, there is occasional need to lift heavy items up to 50 pounds.

Work environment

Academic work environment with private office.