Program Assistant, Cadet Aviation

Civil Air Patrol • US,

3d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Program Assistant supports Civil Air Patrol’s national cadet aviation programs, including aviation programs, flight training initiatives, National Flight Academies, orientation flights, and other youth aviation opportunities. The role coordinates program administration and enrollment, flight training, contracts, vendor relationships, program monitoring, stakeholder communications, and reporting. The assistant works with program leadership, national volunteer staff, flight training providers, and external partners to support effective execution of programs nationwide. The position calls for independent initiative, strong organization and communication, excellent customer service, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. It is full-time, with typical hours of 40 per week, is remote-work eligible, and requires travel of 10% or less. The position is based in Maxwell AFB, Alabama, reports to the Senior Program Manager, Cadet Aviation, and is non-exempt. The annual salary range is $50,000–$62,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in aviation, business administration, project management, communications, or a related field.
• At least one year of relevant experience in program administration, project coordination, or a related field.
• General aviation-related experience or education.
• Familiarity with project management principles, including scheduling, milestone tracking, and stakeholder coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and related programs, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, and Canva.
• Experience with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and cloud-based collaboration platforms.
• Strong organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage competing priorities, and demonstrate a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with FAA Part 61 and Part 141 flight training.
• Experience with aviation programs, flight schools, vendor contracts, or nonprofit organizations.
• Formal project management training or certification.
• Experience with Power BI, Canva, and program management systems.
• Familiarity with Civil Air Patrol and volunteer organizations.
• FAA pilot certification.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate application, selection, enrollment, and onboarding processes for national aviation programs.
• Assist with informational webinars, participant orientations, and program communications.
• Monitor cadet flight training progress, milestones, and program timelines.
• Identify training delays, documentation concerns, and other challenges that need follow-up or management intervention.
• Coordinate outreach and administrative requirements with flight schools, flight training providers, and other aviation vendors.
• Collaborate with CAP Contracting, Finance, and program management to facilitate timely contract execution.
• Apply project management principles to program planning, scheduling, milestone tracking, and implementation.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve workflows, and increase operational efficiency.
• Provide professional, responsive customer service to cadets, parents, volunteers, instructors, and external partners.
• Draft and distribute program announcements, newsletters, informational resources, and stakeholder communications.
• Collect, organize, and validate program data; prepare reports, presentations, and performance summaries.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.
• Training programs and certification support.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Supplemental disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level