What are the responsibilities and job description for the Department Head-Aviation Science position at Tuskegee University?
Position Information
Position Title
Department Head-Aviation Science
Job Summary
Tuskegee University invites applications from eligible candidates for the position of Department Head of its recently launched aviation science program. The successful candidate will be an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader who will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a comprehensive undergraduate Aviation Science program that integrates FAA Part 141 flight training leading to the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate. The Department Head will lead the program’s continued growth by fostering excellence in teaching, scholarship, student success, industry engagement, and aviation safety, while ensuring compliance with all university accreditation requirements and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Essential Job Duties
- Provide strategic leadership and long-range planning for the Aviation Science program.
- Oversee the undergraduate academic program, including curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure successful operation of the FAA-approved Part 141 flight training program in collaboration with the flight training provider.
- Promote a culture of operational excellence, professionalism, and uncompromising flight and ground safety.
- Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and professional staff.
- Lead faculty in curriculum innovation, including the integration of emerging technologies
- Manage departmental budgets, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
- Develop partnerships with airlines, airports, aerospace companies, government agencies, and military organizations to expand internships, cooperative education, and employment opportunities.
- Identify and secure funds for student scholarships, flight training fees, workforce development initiative development initiatives, and industry-sponsored projects.
Preferred Qualifications
- An earned doctorate in Aviation Science or a closely related discipline.
- Academic qualifications suitable for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor.
- Demonstrated administrative leadership in higher education.
- Experience teaching in an aviation related undergraduate academic program.
- Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and program assessment.
- Experience leading a FAA Part 141 collegiate flight training program.
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFII, and/or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificates.
- Knowledge of FAA regulations governing collegiate aviation programs, including Part 61 and Part 141 operations
- Evidence of collaborative leadership and commitment to student success.
Physical Demands
FLSA
Exempt
Status
Full-Time
Skills and Attributes
- Ability to administratively lead a higher education unit responsible for FAA Part 141 collegiate flight training program.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
Will this position required travel?
no
Will this position required night, weekend, and after hour work?
no
Will this positon be supported using grants or contract funding?
yes
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
07/25/2026
Close Date
10/31/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions Summary
Each applicant, including all current employees, must complete and submit the following documents:
- Tuskegee University employment application
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- Recommendation letters
- Copies of unofficial transcripts.
- Please note that official transcripts(s) will be required upon hire
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://tuskegee.peopleadmin.com/postings/3801