Lecturer and Director, Aviation (Term)

Youngstown State University; Youngstown (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Youngstown State University seeks a Lecturer and Director, Aviation to lead a 9-month faculty role and a 12-month program director position. Responsibilities include scheduling, advising, FAA Part 141 efforts, and collaboration with flight training providers. Teaches courses and coordinates with accrediting bodies and industry partners.

The role emphasizes fundraising, budgeting, and program growth while engaging in outreach to schools and aviation organizations to recruit and retain students.

Qualifications

• At least a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, or related field; FAA CFI or equivalent certification; 3+ years of aviation experience.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety, and training standards.
• Preferred: Master’s degree, higher education admin experience, FAA Part 141 experience.
• Experience developing partnerships with flight schools, airlines, or aviation industry stakeholders.
• Experience in student recruitment, retention, or academic advising.
• Familiarity with program accreditation and assessment processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and administration of the aviation program, including scheduling, advising support, and student progression.
• Assist in obtaining FAA Part 141 certification and ensure FAA regulations compliance.
• Coordinate with flight training partners on certification, safety, and standards.
• Teach aviation courses based on qualifications and program needs; liaise with external partners and accrediting bodies.
• Develop strategies to recruit and retain students and engage with schools and aviation organizations.
• Support budgeting, scheduling, marketing, and program growth; assist with grant writing.
• Represent the program in aviation/education forums.

Skills

FAA regulations knowledge

Leadership

Curriculum development

Student recruitment/retention

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, or related field

Master's degree in aviation, aerospace, higher education, or related field

Job description

Lecturer and Director, Aviation (Term)

9-month faculty as well as12-month director of Aviation program which provides leadership, oversight, and coordination of Youngstown State University’s aviation degree pathways. Ensures compliance with FAA regulations, maintains partnerships with approved flight training providers, and supports student recruitment, retention, and success. Engages in administrative leadership, curriculum development, community engagement, and teaching responsibilities related to the aviation program.

Position Information

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.

An Institution of Opportunity:YSUinspires individuals, enhances futures, and enriches lives.

As a student-centered university, Youngstown State University’s mission is to provide innovative lifelong learning opportunities that will inspire individuals, enhance futures and enrich lives. YSU inspires individuals by cultivating a curiosity for life-long learning; enhances the futures of our students by empowering them to discover, disseminate and apply their knowledge; and enriches the region by fostering collaboration and the advancement of civic, scientific, and technological development. YSU’s culture of enrichment flourishes in our intellectually diverse, accessible, and quality education.

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday, including some evenings, and the possibility of some weekend days. Position will act as Chief Flight Instructor, requiring the incumbent be on call in compliance pursuant to 14 CFR 141.81, 141.85 (b), and other applicable FAA regulations. Work primarily performed at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna, Ohio. 9-month faculty as well as 12-month director of program.

Primary Location: Airport

Qualifications and Competencies

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures:FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or equivalent professional certification, and any other certifications required under 14 CFR Part 141.81 and 141.85.

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status:This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Minimum Qualifications:At least a bachelor’s degree in aviation, aeronautics, aerospace, or a related field; FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or equivalent professional certification; at least three years of professional experience in aviation, flight training, or aviation education; and demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety, and training standards.

Preferred Qualifications: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.

Physical Requirements:In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform sedentary work.

Sedentary:work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria aremet.

Supplemental Information

Please upload all transcripts as one PDF file.

At time of hire, all candidates must provide official transcripts. Official transcripts must be provided in an unopened, sealed envelope and must bear the embossed or raised college seal, date, and Registrar’s signature.