Aviation Program Manager

This position is an on-site, full-time, 12-month appointment based in Savoy, Illinois at the Parkland College Institute of Aviation covered by the Professional Support Staff (PSS) Union with an annual salary of $56,763.20.

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

We are seeking an Aviation Program Manager with a strong background in marketing, advertising, public relations, or business development. This role is ideal for a relationship‑builder who can promote the Institute of Aviation, lead student recruitment initiatives, and represent Parkland College within the aviation community locally, statewide, and nationally. The Program Manager will implement and interpret college and department policies and procedures on issues regarding student recruitment, admissions and academic advising, career counseling, alumni and corporate relations, and fundraising.

The anticipated start date for the position is Summer 2026.

Applicants Must Submit

• An online employment application
• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
  
  

Essential Job Functions

• Establish relationships within District 505, throughout Illinois, and nationally to recruit potential students and search out other recruiting opportunities with the aviation community.
• Meet with prospective students and families on and off campus to present information regarding Institute of Aviation programs and partnerships.
• Facilitate the enrollment process for new students; conduct personalized follow-up with prospective and applied students.
• Serve as a program liaison between the Institute of Aviation and other Parkland College offices, especially within Student Services, to ensure students matriculate properly.
• Participate in public events as a representative for the Institute of Aviation and Parkland College.
• In collaboration with the Director develop strategic plans, goals, budgets and recommendations for program activities and recruitment efforts.
• Provide collaborative leadership for planning, implementing, maintaining, documenting, and evaluating program services; develop operational policies, manuals, guides, and other necessary material for efficient and effective administration.
• In collaboration with the Director, assist and maintain student related information and guidelines.
• In collaboration with the Director implement and interpret college and department policies and procedures on issues regarding student recruitment, admissions and academic advising, career counseling, alumni and corporate relations, and fundraising.
• In partnership with marketing, public relations, and the director, determine how and where the program is marketed as it relates to budgeting; assist with strategic initiatives and planning involving diversity recruitment, alumni outreach, and program events.
• In collaboration with the Director, coordinate student flight schedules.
• Direct and inform students of FAA and TSA regulations.
• Utilize social media, websites, and technology to identify career communities and increase awareness of career resources, programs, scholarships, opportunities, and meaningful connections for students.
• Provide advice and counsel to students regarding the following: career plans, curriculum, registration, financial aid, scholarships, and all matters related to aviation degree requirements.
• Done in close collaboration with director and program partners, coordinate experiential learning and professional development activities for students; identify, facilitate and establish academic partnerships with other aviation programs to increase opportunity for our students and alumni; identify, facilitate and establish relationships with entities in the aviation industry and create corporate partnerships with regional, national and corporate airlines to increase opportunities for our students and alumni.
• Manage, create, and analyze departmental programs such as Aviation Day and annual Job Fair that promote the program to outside community groups.
• Oversee, guide and aid registered student committees, flying team and other organizations associated with the program (WAI, OBAP, BPA, EAA).
• Establish meaningful connections between students, alumni, and employers through associations, fairs, conferences, networking events, and career programs.
• Serve on campus committees, in relation to, recruitment, admissions, and retention.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or two (2) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, or business development.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills; problem solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to independently and collaboratively research, develop, and implement plans.
• Ability to lift and move forty pounds and stand for lengthy periods of time.
• Valid driver’s license, insurability to drive for the College.
• Ability to travel and work with an altered schedule. (40%)
• Prospective new hires will successfully complete a post offer, pre-employment criminal background check with fingerprinting. The background check review includes, but is not limited to, exclusionary offenses per the Illinois School Code and Title IV of the Higher Education Act.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• In an effort to comply with SURS return-to-work restrictions for employers (40 ILCS 5/15-139.5), candidates for employment at Parkland College must either not be a SURS annuitant or must be willing to suspend his/her SURS annuity upon employment. This applies to all SURS annuitants except those receiving their annuity under either the Self-Managed Plan (SMP) or by lump sum payment.
  
  

Robust benefits, including medical insurance with no monthly premiums, dental, life, disability, retirement plans, flexible spending, dependent care, EAP, work/life balance with generous paid time off, and tuition waiver. More information on the benefits package may be found online at our Benefits page .

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://www.parkland.edu/careers will not be considered.

Please monitor your email, including spam or junk mail folders, for future correspondence from Parkland College Human Resources.

For further information on the application process, please contact Parkland College Human Resources at 217-351-2220.

Applicants with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.

Requests may be submitted by contacting Human Resources at 217-351-2220 or by emailing hr@parkland.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer