Flight Center Director - Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State College•Farmingdale, NY

41d•$100,000

About The Position

The School of Engineering Technology offers a four-year Bachelor of Science program in Aeronautical Science - Professional Pilot. We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced aviation professional to join our team as the Flight Center Director. This leadership position oversees all aspects of the Flight Center's operations, ensuring excellence in training and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The Flight Center Director reports directly to the Dean of the School of Engineering Technology. The Flight Center Director will provide strategic direction and operational management for the flight portion of the Professional Pilot program, ensuring compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 141 regulations. Primary duties include but are not limited to: Leadership and Management: Provide overall direction and leadership to ensure the efficient operation of the Flight Center. Supervise and manage a team of 50+ staff, including flight instructors, maintenance personnel, and administrative staff. Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified Flight Center employees. Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Operations and Compliance: Oversee scheduling of aircraft maintenance and flight training to maximize operational efficiency and student success. Ensure adherence to FAA Part 141 requirements, including quality and safety assurance. Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with regulatory and program goals. Financial and Administrative Planning Develop, manage, and monitor the Flight Center budget, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals. Oversee purchasing, invoicing, and financial planning processes. Ensure resource allocation meets the needs of the program while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Industry Collaboration and Program Development: Build and maintain partnerships with the aviation industry to support student success and program growth. Identify opportunities to enhance program offerings in alignment with industry trends and demands. Represent the Flight Center in professional settings and promote the Professional Pilot program. Additional Responsibilities: Maintain effective communication with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. Serve as the primary liaison between the Flight Center and FAA representatives. This title is in Appendix A of the SUNY Policies of the Board of Trustees and, as a consequence, incumbents serving in this title are not eligible for permanent appointment (tenure), but instead receive renewable term appointments. The college particularly welcomes candidates with knowledge, skills and abilities that include: Commitment to diversity and university initiatives supportive of diversity and inclusion. Interest in participating in student-centered service activities. Desire to apply expertise in promoting civic engagement with the College's many community partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Hold a fixed-wing Pilot License.
Experience working in a flight training environment governed by FAA Part 61, 141, or 121 regulations, OR have documented military aviation experience with FAA-equivalent certifications and training operations experience.
Strong proven record of successful organizational skills and the ability to manage a diverse group of people.
Experience with or oversight of financial operations such as invoicing, budgeting, or revenue.
Excellent written and verbal communication and computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree.
Hold a commercial pilot license with Instrument Rating and a current FAA Medical Certificate.
Hold a FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), FAA Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and/or FAA Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) license.
Management experience in organizing, training, staffing, and leading a staff of at least 50 people.
Grant writing and implementation experience.

Responsibilities

Provide overall direction and leadership to ensure the efficient operation of the Flight Center.
Supervise and manage a team of 50+ staff, including flight instructors, maintenance personnel, and administrative staff.
Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified Flight Center employees.
Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Oversee scheduling of aircraft maintenance and flight training to maximize operational efficiency and student success.
Ensure adherence to FAA Part 141 requirements, including quality and safety assurance.
Develop and implement policies and procedures that align with regulatory and program goals.
Develop, manage, and monitor the Flight Center budget, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals.
Oversee purchasing, invoicing, and financial planning processes.
Ensure resource allocation meets the needs of the program while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Build and maintain partnerships with the aviation industry to support student success and program growth.
Identify opportunities to enhance program offerings in alignment with industry trends and demands.
Represent the Flight Center in professional settings and promote the Professional Pilot program.
Maintain effective communication with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Flight Center and FAA representatives.