Director of Aviation Technology Program

Title: Director of Aviation Technology Program (Grant-Funded Position)

Department: External & Academic Affairs

Number of Positions: 1

Position #: 356760

Type of Appointment: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application: Resume, transcripts and three professional references.

Reference check requirements: Supervisory roles: two (2) current or former supervisors and one (1) current or former direct report

Personal references (friends, co-workers, clergy, customers, relatives) are not considered acceptable references

Position Summary: The Director of Aviation is responsible for providing strategic direction, administrative leadership, and operational management for the Aviation Technology program. This role involves overseeing the Aviation curriculum for the College, ensuring that all associated programs align with the institution's vision, mission, and goals. The Director also develops, directs, and leads special projects and initiatives that support the growth and future success of the programs, in compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including Federal Aviation Regulations. Additionally, the Director collaborates with faculty and staff, manages the program's budget, and ensures the effective delivery of instructional content.

Essential Functions

35% Responsible for the overall operation and outcome of the aviation program including conducting and presenting classroom/laboratory instruction, and oversight of the program. Oversee the curriculum development process, including facilitating the development and maintenance of course syllabi and updating departmental curricula.

Create instructional materials and laboratory experiences and teach a variety of courses at various times in response to institutional needs, evaluate students’ progress toward achievement of stated student learning outcomes. Contribute to the management of labs, and equipment, develop, or update course syllabi for courses within the college guidelines and curriculum as necessary to remain current with FAA and industry. Review, evaluate and recommend student learning materials.

25% Responsible for maintaining all correspondence with FAA. Ensures applicable FAA Operation Specification(s) [OpSpec]. Interprets and applies Federal Aviation Regulation as it is related to compliance and operation of the Aviation Technology Program. In conjunction with Administration, obtain and maintain FAA A&P Certification for school.

15% Supervises faculty and staff employees. Ensures faculty and staff are trained and appropriately certified in areas of instruction. Prioritizes and assigns work, conducts performance evaluations; makes hiring, termination and disciplinary actions in conjunction with supervisor/ dean of the department, Human Resources, and the VP Academic Affairs. Plans, develops, implements, and monitors teaching schedules for academic program. Maintains and provides updates to VP, External Affairs; VP. Academic Affairs; and, Dean, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

5% Organize and participate in at least two advisory committee meetings per year where curriculum, facilities, equipment, and enrollment will be discussed.

5% Participate in an ongoing manner in the development, implementation evaluation, and updating of state standards for the program, including curriculum, facilities, equipment, and enrollment as well as make curriculum change proposals to the Curriculum Development Committee as needed.

5% Collaborates with program faculty, directors and other supportive and contributing personnel to ensure the success of the students and the program.

5% Develop, administer, and monitor budget, implement and allocate resources following budget approval; and approve expenditures.

5% Perform varied administrative duties as necessary, including attending meetings, holding meetings, and interacting with other departments and divisions of the College, TBR, and the community

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Key Results Areas: Establish and maintain FAA certified AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) program, in Aviation Technology. Course sections scheduled and staffed each semester. Student learning outcomes assessed, and adjustments made to curriculum. Full-time faculty members recruited, hired, evaluated, promoted and tenured; adjunct faculty members recruited, hired, evaluated, and integrated into the department. All faculty members participate in professional development activities. Curriculum modified as necessary; reports completed and sent to appropriate recipients. Conflicts between students and faculty addressed. Information communicated as needed. TBR required annual reports submitted in timely fashion, academic audits completed, multiple dual enrollment sections created, and hundreds of dual-enrollment students enrolled each semester, all the preceding activities contribute to college funding. Completion and retention of students monitored and encouraged in order to lead toward graduation.

Formal Training

Aviation Technology Faculty Member - salary commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will be expected to teach Associate of Applied Science-level AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) classes and laboratories, create instructional materials and laboratory experiences, promote the Aviation program through local, regional and national engagement, participate in program assessment activities related to accreditations (e.g. SACSCOC, FAA), certification and grant parameters, perform student advising, and complete other departmental services as required.

The Successful Candidate Must Have

• FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings(A&P). Relative Associate’s degree/bachelor’s preferred from an accredited college or university in Aviation Technology concentration or a closely-related field from a regionally accredited college or university and professional experience sufficient to meet SACSCOC criteria.
  
  

Promotion and Tenure will be contingent upon candidate obtaining an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Technology or a related field within 3 years. The candidate must show substantial and measurable progress toward degree completion within the same timeframe.

• a minimum of 5 years paid work experience in Aviation Maintenance, within the last seven years. Work experience must include the competencies, knowledge, and skill levels included in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
• higher education teaching experience or industry training experience
• evidence of strong oral and written communication, computer and presentation skills; A teaching demonstration will be required at the interview
• a commitment to student success; and
• motivation to develop partnerships with industry.
  
  

The successful applicant will demonstrate appropriate technical expertise to teach fundamental courses such as general fundamentals, Airframe and Powerplant.

Women, veterans, and members of underrepresented groups and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Job Requirements: 5 years paid work experience in aviation maintenance within the last 7 years.

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Special Skills/Application Of Knowledge

• Expertise in Aircraft Systems: An A&P instructor must have a comprehensive understanding of both airframe (structure, hydraulics, landing gear) and powerplant (engines, fuel systems, propellers) systems. This includes the ability to explain complex concepts and procedures in a way that students can easily understand.
• Hands-On Experience: Practical experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining aircraft systems is crucial for demonstrating techniques and providing real-world examples in the classroom.
• Curriculum Development: The ability to design and organize lesson plans, lab exercises, and assessments that align with industry standards and FAA regulations is key to providing effective instruction.
• Adaptability in Teaching Methods: An A&P instructor must be capable of using various instructional techniques to address different learning styles, including lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and the use of technology-based tools.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Strong skills in evaluating student performance, providing constructive feedback, and adjusting instructional approaches based on student needs are essential for fostering student success.
• FAA Regulations: A thorough understanding of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, especially those related to A&P certification and maintenance practices, is necessary to ensure students are being trained according to current standards.
• Industry Trends: Staying informed about the latest developments in aviation technology and maintenance practices is important for keeping the curriculum up-to-date and relevant.
• Patience and Empathy: Teaching often requires patience, especially when students are struggling with challenging concepts. An instructor must be supportive and empathetic, helping students overcome obstacles to learning.
• Mentorship: Beyond teaching, an A&P instructor serves as a mentor, guiding students in their professional development and helping them prepare for their careers in aviation maintenance.
• Emphasis on Safety: Instilling a safety-first mindset in students is a critical responsibility. An instructor must emphasize the importance of adhering to safety protocols and industry standards in all aspects of aircraft maintenance.
• College Mission and Values: Must be able to engage in the college’s mission and values.
  
  

Complexity & Creativity: To perform the role of an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) instructor effectively, a well-rounded skill set that includes analytical, technical, and creative thinking is essential. This combination of skills is necessary to address the complexity of the position, which demands both deep and broad knowledge in aviation maintenance and education.

Magnitude of Impact: The Director of Aviation plays a critical role in shaping the success and reputation of the institution's Aviation Technology program, which directly influences the overall standing of the college. The magnitude of the impact this position holds extends across multiple levels—students, faculty, industry partnerships, and the broader community.

Responsibility for Accuracy: The Director of Aviation holds a significant responsibility for accuracy in every aspect of their role, given the high-stakes nature of aviation and its strict regulatory environment. The accuracy required in this position extends to various domains, including program oversight, regulatory compliance, financial management, and communication. Errors in judgment or execution could have far-reaching consequences, affecting student outcomes, institutional reputation, and legal standing.

Financial Impact: The Director of Aviation is responsible for overseeing the program's budget, which includes managing operational costs, personnel expenses, equipment procurement, and facility maintenance. Effective budget management requires careful planning, accurate forecasting, and efficient use of resources. The Director must ensure that the program operates within its financial constraints while maintaining high-quality education and services. Mismanagement of the budget can lead to deficits, reduced program offerings, and even program downsizing, all of which can negatively impact the institution’s financial stability.

Budgetary

• Position has authority related to budgets within department.
• Relative to payroll, position designates wages for departmental adjunct faculty and contract workers, based on college formulas and creates and submits relative contractual documents for these positions.
  
  

Position has budgetary signing authority up to the dollar amount designated by operating budgets within the department or the fund limits available from grants within the department

Judgement and Decisions: Scheduling; staffing; hiring and retention of adjunct faculty; appointment of program coordinator and committee members; transfer credit and course substitutions; support or non-support of promotion and tenure of full-time faculty; section overloads; adding or cancelling sections based on enrollment numbers. Most of these decisions are independent.

Nature of Contacts: The Director of Aviation interacts with a diverse range of individuals and organizations both within and outside the institution. These contacts are essential for the successful management and growth of the Aviation Technology program. The nature of these interactions varies depending on the context and goals, but they generally involve providing and obtaining information, discussing and seeking understanding, persuading stakeholders, negotiating agreements, and resolving conflicts.

Internal contacts will be President, Vice President, Dean, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Business Office, Facilities, HR, Payroll, Academic Affairs, and other academic programs.

External contacts Industry partners and employers, Chamber of Commerce, FAA, Alumni and Donors, Vendors and Suppliers, Professional Organizations, K12 Schools

Physical Demands: The Director of an Aviation Academic Program requires a balance of administrative responsibilities and physical engagement with aviation facilities. Mobility, manual dexterity, and sensory acuity are important, particularly during inspections, travel, and interactions with training environments. The role may also require occasional exposure to challenging environmental conditions, such as noise, dust, fumes, and inclement weather. Proper precautions, safety measures, and ergonomic considerations are crucial for ensuring the Director can effectively perform all aspects of the job while maintaining safety and compliance standards

Hazards: While the Director of Aviation’s role is primarily administrative, there are potential risks for physical injury or illness when engaging with operational aspects of the program. These risks include slips, trips, falls, manual handling injuries, and exposure to noise, chemicals, and respiratory irritants. The frequency of exposure to these risks is generally low to moderate, with proper safety protocols and PPE significantly reducing the likelihood of injury or illness. However, stress-related conditions are a moderate concern, given the demands of the position, and should be actively managed through appropriate support and resources.

Full-time Employment Benefits

• Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan
• Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b
• Employee Discount program with over 900+companies
• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December
• Sick Leave Bank
• Longevity Pay
• Many opportunities for professional development
  
  

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer

If you have any problems or questions please contact Human Resources at Pellissippi State Community College’s Human Resource Office at 865-694-6607 or by email at [email protected].

If you are interested in this position, click on the link to the right to apply.

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