Safety Coordinator

South Dakota State University Aviation seeks an experienced and collaborative safety professional to serve as Aviation Safety Coordinator. As the program's primary safety leader, this position provides oversight and continuous improvement of the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), coordinates risk management and safety assurance activities, and promotes FAA-aligned safety practices across all aviation operations. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, and operational personnel, the Aviation Safety Manager fosters a culture of safety, supports regulatory compliance, and advances operational excellence throughout the SDSU Aviation program. The Aviation Safety Manager reports directly to the Director of the School of Health and Human Sciences and works collaboratively with aviation faculty, staff, and operational personnel to support the safety mission of the SDSU Aviation Program. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

The Aviation program, housed within the School of Health and Human Sciences in the College of Education and Human Sciences, serves approximately 250 undergraduate students and is supported by three full-time faculty members and seven full-time staff. Accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), the program has established a strong regional reputation for producing highly qualified, professionally focused aviation graduates.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, administer, assess, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS).
• Oversee hazard identification, safety reporting, risk assessment, investigations, audits, and safety assurance activities.
• Monitor and analyze safety performance data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and support operational improvements.
• Promote a proactive, positive safety culture through training, communication, and engagement with students, faculty, staff, and operational personnel.
• Collaborate with aviation and university leadership to support safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, accreditation requirements, and organizational decision-making.
• Serve as the primary aviation safety resource, providing recommendations on risk management, safety performance, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain safety records, reporting systems, documentation, and required program metrics.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, response planning, and safety-related exercises.
• Support accreditation, assessment, quality improvement, recruitment, retention, outreach, and other program initiatives.
• Participate in limited flight-related activities, including flight instruction, as appropriate to support safety initiatives and maintain operational awareness.
• Serve on university, school, and program committees as assigned.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, Higher Education, Business Administration or a related field completed by start date;
• Minimum of one year of professional experience in aviation operations, aviation safety, flight training, airport operations, aviation management, or a related aviation field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aviation safety principles, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance;
• Current, or ability to obtain, FAA Flight Instructor Certification;
• Experience working within the aviation industry;
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement;
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students and operational personnel;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and
• Valid drivers license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, Higher Education, Business Administration, or a related field;
• Experience developing, implementing, or managing a Safety Management System (SMS).
• Experience conducting safety investigations, audits, risk assessments, or safety assurance activities;
• Knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to flight training and collegiate aviation environments;
• Experience in an FAA Part 141 flight training program;
• Experience in higher education or collegiate aviation;
• Current FAA Flight Instructor Certification (CFI);
• Additional FAA certificates or ratings;
• Experience with accreditation, assessment, regulatory compliance, or quality assurance processes;
• Experience developing and delivering safety training programs;
• Demonstrated ability to lead safety initiatives and influence organizational decision-making through collaboration, communication, and data-informed recommendations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 06/24/2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, curriculum vitae, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Maria Julius, at Maria.Julius@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4366.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.