Job Description Summary
The College of Liberal Arts and the School of Aviation at Auburn University invites applications for the Director of the School of Aviation to begin August 16, 2025. The school’s mission includes instruction, research, outreach, and service in the field of aviation. Three academic programs are currently offered: Aviation Management, Professional Flight, and the Aviation Hospitality Management Certificate.
Reporting to the dean, the director will develop a vision for the future of the school and a strategic plan to achieve it; supervise the delivery of academic and flight education; evolve the curriculum; recruit, develop, and retain faculty and staff; further and develop collaborative relationships within the school and across the College and University; conduct long-range planning and advocate for the school; and enhance the visibility, brand, and reputation of the school. The new director will support and nurture an environment where creativity, research, and engagement thrive. The director will also be a member of the senior administrative team of the College of Liberal Arts, ensure compliance and continued accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration; serve as the school’s liaison to the Aviation Industry Advisory Board; promote the school to internal and external constituents; and supervise school personnel. The Director of the School of Aviation is a full-time, 12-month administrative position appointed for an initial term of 5 years that may be renewed contingent upon satisfactory annual reviews and continued need.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in an appropriate, allied field related to aviation at the time employment begins and a scholarly record required to merit a tenured appointment as an associate or full professor in the School of Aviation. The candidates must also have experience working in the aviation industry as a pilot, an aircraft mechanic, an airport manager, an airline employee, an aviation safety manager, or similar position. A combination of an aviation-oriented education and teaching aviation courses may be considered in lieu of aviation work experience. Leadership experience in aviation or education activities is desired. Candidates should have a record of outstanding teaching, strong record of published research, and commitment to working with all students, faculty, and staff to maintain high standards of scholarship, faculty engagement, and education.
The candidate selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the U.S. when the appointment begins and for the proposed term of employment. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
The review of applications will begin May 28, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Apply on-line via the following link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/53234 Applications should include a letter of interest addressing the leadership profile, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the chair of the search committee: Laura Plexico, Associate Dean of Engagement & Graduate Studies,
lwp0002@auburn.edu.
