Department Head-Aviation Science

Position Information

Position Title Department Head-Aviation Science

Job Summary

Tuskegee University invites applications from eligible candidates for the position of Department Head of its recently launched aviation science program. The successful candidate will be an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader who will provide academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for a comprehensive undergraduate Aviation Science program that integrates FAA Part 141 flight training leading to the FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate. The Department Head will lead the program’s continued growth by fostering excellence in teaching, scholarship, student success, industry engagement, and aviation safety, while ensuring compliance with all university accreditation requirements and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and long-range planning for the Aviation Science program.
• Oversee the undergraduate academic program, including curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure successful operation of the FAA-approved Part 141 flight training program in collaboration with the flight training provider.
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, professionalism, and uncompromising flight and ground safety.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and professional staff.
• Lead faculty in curriculum innovation, including the integration of emerging technologies
• Manage departmental budgets, personnel, equipment, and facilities.
• Develop partnerships with airlines, airports, aerospace companies, government agencies, and military organizations to expand internships, cooperative education, and employment opportunities.
• Identify and secure funds for student scholarships, flight training fees, workforce development initiative development initiatives, and industry-sponsored projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Aviation Science or a closely related discipline.
• Academic qualifications suitable for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor.
• Demonstrated administrative leadership in higher education.
• Experience teaching in an aviation related undergraduate academic program.
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and program assessment.
• Experience leading a FAA Part 141 collegiate flight training program.
• FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFII, and/or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificates.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations governing collegiate aviation programs, including Part 61 and Part 141 operations
• Evidence of collaborative leadership and commitment to student success.

Physical Demands

FLSA Exempt

Status Full-Time

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to administratively lead a higher education unit responsible for FAA Part 141 collegiate flight training program.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

Will this position required travel? no

Will this position required night, weekend, and after hour work? no

Will this positon be supported using grants or contract funding? yes

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date 07/25/2026

Close Date 10/31/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions Summary

Each applicant, including all current employees, must complete and submit the following documents:

• Tuskegee University employment application
• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Recommendation letters
• Copies of unofficial transcripts.
• Please note that official transcripts(s) will be required upon hire

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://tuskegee.peopleadmin.com/postings/3801

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• * Do you have an earned doctorate in Aviation Science or a closely related discipline and experience leading a FAA Part 141 collegiate flight training program? (Open Ended Question)

Do you hold the academic qualifications suitable for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor? (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFII, and/or Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificates? (Open Ended Question)

Do you have experience teaching in an aviation related undergraduate academic program and experience with curriculum development and program assessment? (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Transcript 1

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Curriculum Vitae
• Other
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Transcript 2
• Transcript 3