Lecturer and Director, Aviation (Term)

Youngstown State University•Youngstown, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a 9-month faculty member and a 12-month director for Youngstown State University’s aviation degree pathways. The role involves providing leadership, oversight, and coordination of the aviation program, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, maintaining partnerships with flight training providers, and supporting student recruitment, retention, and success. Responsibilities include administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, and teaching. The position provides day-to-day leadership and administration of the aviation program, including scheduling, advising support, and student progression. It assists in obtaining FAA Part 141 certification and ensures compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The role coordinates with the University’s flight training partner(s) for certification, safety, and operational standards. It supports faculty and instructors in curriculum planning, assessment, maintaining flight schedules and required logs, and continuous improvement of aviation courses and labs. The position involves teaching aviation courses based on qualifications and program needs, and serving as the primary liaison with external partners, accrediting bodies, and industry stakeholders. Strategies for student recruitment and retention, including outreach to various organizations, will be developed. Collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs and other University constituents is necessary for budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and program growth. Assistance with grant writing and external funding opportunities is also part of the role. The position represents the program in various forums and is responsible for planning, organizing, teaching, and providing feedback to promote student success. Timely responses to students and communication via university tools are expected.

Requirements

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or equivalent professional certification, and any other certifications required under 14 CFR Part 141.81 and 141.85.
At least a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, or a related field.
At least three years of professional experience in aviation, flight training, or aviation education.
Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety, and training standards.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in aviation, aerospace, higher education, or related field.
Previous administrative or supervisory experience in higher education.
FAA Part 141 experience.
Experience developing partnerships with flight schools, airlines, or aviation industry stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in student recruitment, retention, or academic advising.
Familiarity with program accreditation and assessment processes.
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day leadership and administration of the aviation program, including scheduling, advising support, and student progression.
Assists in obtaining FAA Part 141 certification.
Ensures compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations including FAA Part 141, Part 91, Part 61, and other applicable FAA regulations.
Coordinates with University’s flight training partner(s) for certification, safety, and operational standards.
Supports faculty and instructors in curriculum planning, assessment, maintaining flight schedules and required logs, and continuous improvement of aviation courses and labs.
Teaches courses in aviation (based on qualifications and program needs).
Serves as primary liaison with external partners, accrediting bodies, and industry stakeholders.
Develops strategies to recruit and retain students, including outreach to high schools, community colleges, and aviation organizations.
Collaborates with the Office of Academic Affairs and any other University constituents necessary to support budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and program growth.
Assists with grant writing and external funding opportunities to strengthen program sustainability.
Represents program in local, regional, and national aviation/education forums.
Plans, organizes, teaches, and provides feedback to promote and direct student success.
Responds to students in a timely manner.
Communicates with students, departments, and university officials via university provided tools and resources.