Aviation Program Manager

CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY CLG; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Oregon Community College seeks an Aviation Program Manager to provide operational and academic leadership for a 250+ student aviation program. You will manage partnerships with Leading Edge Flight Academy and Bend airport, ensure FAA and VA compliance, and lead faculty, flight instructors, and staff in a fast-paced, year-round environment.

The role blends administration with teaching and program assessment, including course design, online/in-person delivery, and curriculum updates to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant field.
• Two years managerial experience supervising employees and budgets.
• Two years aviation industry experience (piloting or management).
• Commercial Pilot Certificate and CFI certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain aviation external partnerships with LEFA and Bend airport.
• Oversee compliance with FAA and VA requirements.
• Lead faculty, flight instructors, and staff in aviation programs.
• Supervise aviation department staff and paid instructors.
• Coordinate curriculum, scheduling, and program assessments.
• Manage budgets and invoicing related to LEFA partnership.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Website editing

Database systems

Job description

The Aviation Program Manager provides operational and academic leadership for one of COCC’s most dynamic career-technical programs, serving 250+ students seeking careers in aviation. This role builds and sustains the College’s partnership with Leading Edge Flight Academy ( LEFA ) and the Bend airport, oversees compliance with Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) and Veterans Administration (VA) requirements, and leads a team of faculty, flight instructors, and staff supporting a fast-paced, year-round training environment. While the role is administrator-first, it also instructing lecture courses and leading periodic program assessment and review, combining administrative leadership with classroom instruction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management and Supervision

• Responsible for developing and maintaining aviation external partnerships, which requires weekly coordination meetings with LEFA leadership, monthly meetings with the LEFA flight instructor group, and troubleshooting as needed. This also includes working with the Instructional Dean to ensure the program meets the needs of industry and the College.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining affiliation agreements with LEFA .
• Responsible for leadership, management, and oversight of all COCC aviation courses. Includes scheduling courses within the College’s year-long scheduling process and ensuring required materials are available.
• Supervision and mentoring of certified flight instructors, full-time, adjunct, and part-time aviation faculty, and student Aviation tutors (recruiting, hiring, orienting, supervising, training, scheduling, finding subs for, and evaluating).
• Coordinate classroom observations for part-time instructors and facilitate peer-team observations for full-time faculty.
• Supervision of the Aviation department classified employees (an operations specialist and a support specialist).
• Partner with the Aviation Operations Specialist/Administrative Assistant to streamline and modernize program processes (e.g., wait list management, invoicing, and flight lab scheduling), including transitioning manual processes to digital systems.
• Collaborate with other departments on campus as required for operations of the program.
• Collaborate on the transition of UAS (drone) program oversight, providing leadership and curriculum continuity during the transition period.
• Create and maintain a program (student) handbook and a faculty handbook, conduct new student orientations, and new student onboarding.
• Responsible for website updates, catalog review, and marketing/recruitment for the program
• Represents the aviation program CTE Council, to the College administration, and at the local, state, and national levels.
• Responsible for oversight of all work related to flight simulators owned by the College (maintenance, purchasing, administration).
• Maintain availability to respond under the College’s Emergency Response Plan in the event of a flight-training accident or incident.

Instruction and Advising

• Design, coordinate, update, schedule and maintain Aviation courses/curriculum in accordance with the FAA and other regulations.
• Instruct lecture courses (in-person, remote, or online) as needed and conduct periodic program assessment and program review.
• Coordinate with full-time faculty on assessment of program and course-level outcomes.
• Ensure COCC Aviation webpage and promotional materials are up to date.
• Serve as the first contact and response for student issues, including disciplinary meetings when necessary.

Reporting, Compliance and Partnerships

• Maintain VA and FAA compliance and reporting requirements for the program, partnering with the Office of Student Financial Aid on VA-related compliance.
• Act as COCC Aviation Program Administrator/Liaison to the Veteran’s Affairs department, maintaining reporting compliance at all times.
• Facilitate regular Aviation Advisory Board meetings, holding required number of meetings per academic year. Responsible for recruiting board members and using board feedback to determine curriculum delivery and emphasis.
• Monitor and work with the Instructional Dean on Aviation budget annually; review and approve weekly invoices and payments to Leading Edge Flight Academy.
• Participate in College committees, as assigned.
• Perform other essential functions as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Department Specific

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The individual is expected to follow College work rules and policies.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with the Instructional Dean to maintain existing partnerships with external groups and seek new ones where needed.
• Ability to work independently and to use good judgment with respect to priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate information effectively regarding College policies and procedures to students.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage conflicts within and/or between groups and to work in a team environment.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds and other aspects of human diversity.
• Ability to monitor budgets and other administrative processes in a timely and professional manner.
• Ability to meet deadlines, set work priorities, and manage workload.
• Ability to use software programs and database systems which include Microsoft Office Suite, email, website editing, basic desktop publishing, and modern office equipment.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and integrate information and knowledge to make critical judgments and program management decisions that promote safety and student success.

Ergonomic Requirements

• Regular 40-hour work week which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or additional hours due to the nature of the responsibilities. Incumbent must be able to function effectively indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature. Requires the ability to work at a workstation for extended periods. Requires to write, read written materials and computer screens, and ability to use telephonic conversations. Occasional lifting up to 25lbs.
• Ability to work in classroom and office environments using computers, white boards, projectors, and other basic office equipment.
• Duties are carried out primarily on the Bend campus of COCC and at the Bend airport.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or credential appropriate in the field of primary teaching assignment.

Experience:

• Two years relevant experience working in the field of aviation, such as extensive piloting in commercial or military aviation environment.
• Two years of managerial experience with supervision of employees and budgetary responsibilities in a complex organization

Required Certificates:

• Commercial Pilot Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor certificate required.

Required Special Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in an Aviation industry position outside of flight instruction, i.e. Aviation Management, Professional Pilot (other than CFI ), etc.
• Evidence of excellence, or promise of excellence, in instruction, minimum of 1,000 hours of aviation instruction.

Equivalency Statement

The College recognizes the value of skills and knowledge gained outside of formal higher education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications (other than the required FAA certificates) but present other qualifications or experience equivalent to those required will be considered and are encouraged to apply. To qualify under equivalency, applicants must indicate how they qualify under equivalency by responding to the supplemental question presented during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or other related field.
• More than two years of teaching, coaching, training or supervising others.

EEO Statement

The goal of Central Oregon Community College is to provide an atmosphere that encourages our faculty, staff and students to realize their full potential. In support of this goal, it is the policy of Central Oregon Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran or military status, pregnancy or any other classes protected under federal and state statutes in any education program, activities or employment. Persons with questions about this statement should contact Human Resources at 541.383.7216 or the Vice President for Student Affairs at 541.383.7211.

This policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities. When brought to the attention of the appropriate parties, any such actions will be promptly and equitably responded to according to the process outlined in general procedures sections N-1, N-2, or N-3.

In support of COCC’s EEO statement, bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is considered a plus, along with experience working in a diverse multicultural setting.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of education?
  • No High School Diploma or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Professional Certification or License (not a degree)
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree in Progress
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree In Progress
  • Masters Degree
  • Ph.D. in Progress
  • Ph.D.
  • J.D.
  • M.D.
  • Other Doctorate Level Degree
• * Please describe how you meet the minimum two years relevant experience working in the field of aviation, such as extensive piloting in commercial or military aviation environment.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe how you meet the minimum requirement two years of managerial experience with supervision of employees and budgetary responsibilities in a complex organization.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * We recognize the value of skills, knowledge, and experience gained outside of formal education and paid employment. Applicants who do not meet minimum education and/or experience requirements but possess other qualifications or experience they feel are equivalent are encouraged to apply. Check the applicable box(es) below and explain in the next question why your education/experience should be considered equivalent. All applications are reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team. You will not be automatically eliminated by our recruitment software based on the box or boxes you check, as we are committed to a fair and thorough evaluation process.
  • I meet all minimum requirements (education and experience) listed for this position.
  • I do not meet the minimum education degree requirement(s).
  • My degree is not in the required stated area(s).
  • I have less than the minimum years' experience in the area(s) required.
• * As a follow up to the previous question, explain how your education/experience should be considered equivalent to the minimum requirements. If you feel you meet all the stated minimum requirements, please put N/A. All applications are reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team. You will not be automatically eliminated by our recruitment software based on your response, as we are committed to a fair and thorough evaluation process.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * In support of COCC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, bilingual fluency in English and another language is considered a plus: Please list any languages other than English in which you are fluent (read and write)

  (Open Ended Question)

• * COCC employees must work and reside in the state of Oregon at the time their work is being performed. Are you, or will you be residing in the state of Oregon by the start date of this position?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you a U.S. military veteran? COCC provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment. To receive veterans' preference in this recruitment process, you must upload your DD214 and 215 (215 if applicable) or certification that you expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status as supporting documentation. You will have the opportunity to upload the document(s) in the next step of this application process.
  • Yes, I am a veteran
  • No, I am not a veteran
• * If you have identified yourself as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran by submitting your DD214 and DD215 (if applicable) form(s) as proof of veteran status, please describe any transferable skills earned during your military service that you feel relate to the requirements/preferences of this position.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * The College CANNOT provide support or sponsorship of any type for visa applications and related paperwork for employment purposes. To be considered, applicants must already be authorized to begin work in the United States, be able to arrive in the country, and maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support. Are you currently, or will you be, authorized to begin work in the United States, able to arrive, and able to maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support by the position’s start date?
  • Yes, I am already or will be authorized to begin work in the United States, able to arrive, and able to maintain work eligibility without the College’s sponsorship or support by the position’s start date.
  • No.
• * Background checks are required for all employees of COCC. Should an offer of employment be made to you and accepted by you, you will receive an email from COCC / HireRight Screening requesting your consent and basic information to complete the check. The offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of the criminal background check. Confirmed findings on a criminal background check will not automatically disqualify you from being hired into a position. Results are evaluated on a case-based basis, considering the job responsibilities and other risk factors. Additional information regarding COCC’s criminal history check policy can be found online in the General Procedures Manual, Section HR-2-1. Please indicate here if you will provide consent to the criminal history check when requested by the College
  • Yes, I will provide my consent when requested
  • No, I will not provide my consent when requested

Required Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Vitae
• Cover Letter
• College Transcript 1 (unofficial)

Optional Documents

• College Transcript 2 (unofficial)
• College Transcript 3 (unofficial)
• US Military DD 214
• License or Certification

Human Resources
Newberry Hall
Bend, OR 97703
541-383-7216
[e-mail]