Executive Director of Maintenance Training Operations - Aeronautics

Job description

The Executive Director of Aviation Maintenance Training Operations is a key executive leadership role in advancing the School of Aeronautics’ mission to equip, mentor, and send Champions for Christ into the aerospace community. The position provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, resource management, and regulatory compliance for all School of Aeronautics aviation maintenance training programs. The Executive Director also oversees a $3.5M+ operational budget and lifecycle planning of maintenance training resources, including hangars, laboratories, and specialized aircraft maintenance training equipment. This role plans, organizes, and manages the execution of 14 CFR Part 147 aviation maintenance training operations to ensure a safe, compliant, and high-quality student training experience. In coordination with other senior leadership, this position ensures FAA compliance while driving continuous improvement in training performance, student outcomes, and operational efficiency. The role leads a team of directors who oversee maintenance training quality, technical instruction, lab operations, and student evaluation to ensure students are prepared for FAA certification as part of their overall educational programs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides strategic leadership and direction for all aviation maintenance training operations, establishing and executing long-term plans aligned with the School of Aeronautics mission and institutional priorities. Provides executive oversight of all maintenance training functions through subordinate directors, ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective execution of laboratory operations, shop management, maintenance training scheduling, instructor standardization, and technical training delivery in full compliance with FAA regulations Part 147) and university policies. Directs and oversees resource planning, budget development, and lifecycle management of maintenance training assets, including facilities, tooling, and instructional equipment, ensuring alignment with enrollment demand, operational requirements, and long-term program growth. Ensures the establishment and sustainment of rigorous technical training standards, directing leaders responsible for instructor qualification, currency, and evaluation. Oversees and aligns the development and continuous improvement of curriculum and instructional materials, including FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) curricula, in coordination with Associate Deans and Executive Directors to ensure alignment with degree program requirements and to enhance student success and certification outcomes. Fosters strong working relationships with regulatory agencies and industry partners, including the FAA, employers, and aviation maintenance organizations, to ensure program relevance, compliance, and workforce alignment. Provides leadership support for recruitment, outreach, and industry engagement, including career events, employer partnerships, and high-visibility engagements, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while promoting a high-quality student experience and career placement outcomes. Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Directly supervises two (2) Directors and one (1) Coordinator. Indirectly supervises 30+ employees. QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, Aerospace, or a related field Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aviation maintenance training, maintenance operations, or a related aerospace field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in the leadership of aviation maintenance training or maintenance operations management. Demonstrated experience leading FAA-regulated programs. FAA Certification: A&P Preferred: Master' degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, Aerospace, or a related field 10 years of experience in the leadership of aviation maintenance training, or maintenance operations. Proven experience collaborating across academic, operational, and external stakeholder environments. ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information. Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University. Strong organizational skills. Computer skills Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Physical and Sensory Abilities May be required to travel locally and nationally. May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally. Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds. WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. The working environment includes frequent operations on an active flight and a maintenance training facility. Driving Requirements If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position Time Type Full time Location Onsite Pay Range Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits , including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. $100,000.00 - $135,000.00 The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.