Aviation Science and Technology Program Manager

Aviation Science and Technology Program Manager (REVISED) Wright State University is an equal opportunity employer. Job Summary / Basic Function The Aviation Science and Technology Program Advisor serves as both a primary student-facing advisor and a key contributor to the operational management and growth of the aviation program. This position supports students through academic coursework, FAA certification milestones, medical requirements, flight training, and institutional processes while also assisting Aviation Department Leadership with program coordination, enrollment growth, retention initiatives, and long-term sustainability planning. As a developing program, the aviation program requires an advisor who can balance individualized student support with program-level thinking. This role requires specialized knowledge of aviation training pathways, FAA regulations, Veterans Affairs education rules, and the operational coordination needed between academic units and external flight training partners. The position collaborates closely with Aviation Department Leadership, campus administrative offices, and flight training partners to ensure both student success and program viability. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree by the date of employment and 1 year of related experience, i.e., collegiate advising, academic counseling, student affairs, etc. Internships and practicums are acceptable as relevant experience. OR a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of related experience, i.e., collegiate advising, academic counseling, student affairs, etc. Internships and practicums are acceptable as relevant experience. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively with academic departments, flight training organizations, and administrative offices. High attention to detail and ability to manage compliance-related information. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in Aviation, Education, Student Affairs, or a related field. Basic knowledge of academic advising practices and student success strategies. Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and apply federal regulations. Familiarity with FAA regulations, VA education benefits, or veteran student services. Experience supporting military-connected or veteran learners. Experience with regulatory approval or compliance processes. Foundational understanding of aviation concepts and pilot training pathways. Essential Functions and Percent of Time Student Advising & Program Navigation – (20%) Advise aviation students on all academic and training requirements from program entry through completion, including integration of summer semester training strategies, benefits, and burdens. Track and document major program milestones, including: Completion of FAA Class 1 (or appropriate) Medical Certificate. Required advising and check-in meetings with Aviation Department Leadership. Enrollment in ground school and flight courses in correct sequence. Provide clear explanations of program structure, timelines, expectations, and performance standards for both academic and flight training components. Collaborate with Aviation Department Leadership on course overrides, prerequisites, instructor permissions, and registration approvals. Communicate departmental policies related to progression, training performance, academic standing, and professionalism expectations. Refer students to campus resources to support academic success, financial stability, mental/physical well-being, and career development. Aviation Program Management, Growth & Sustainability – (20%) Partner with Aviation Department leadership to support the strategic and operational management of a rapidly growing aviation program, with particular focus on enrollment scaling, capacity planning, resource alignment, and student progression across multi-year pipelines. Serve as a thought partner to leadership by analyzing program performance and helping translate growth goals into actionable operational plans that balance demand, quality, and regulatory requirements. Provide regular insights and recommendations to Aviation Department leadership regarding student demand trends, operational constraints, instructional capacity, and future resource needs. Track, analyze, and interpret program-level performance indicators, including enrollment growth, retention, persistence, time-to-completion, FAA milestone progression, and attrition. Use data to identify bottlenecks, risk points, and opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting evidence-based decision-making as the program scales. Support the development of dashboards, reporting tools, and milestone tracking systems that enable proactive intervention and transparent program oversight. FAA Requirements & Certification Pathway Management Assist students in planning FAA knowledge tests, practical tests, and required flight experience hours. Monitor progress toward FAA milestones and proactively identify delays, barriers, or compliance risks requiring intervention. Financial Guidance & Program Cost Awareness – (10%) Explain the full financial commitment of the aviation program, including flight fees, simulator costs, course charges, and billing timelines. Support students in understanding loan eligibility, financial aid options, cost projections, and budgeting for multi-year training. Communicate program financial policies related to refunds, scheduling costs, and billing practices in collaboration with university offices. Flight Training & Academic Schedule Coordination – (10%) Coordinate with the university’s flight training partner(s) to resolve conflicts between academic schedules and required flight training. Support students in maintaining full-time enrollment while meeting flight training demands. Communicate with flight school leadership and staff regarding student progress, capacity limitations, and issues requiring academic or program-level intervention. Maintain working knowledge of VA education benefits related to aviation training, including eligibility, covered expenses, certification limits, and reporting requirements. Guide veteran and military-affiliated students through compliance expectations to maintain benefit eligibility. Coordinate with the institution’s VA certifying official and Aviation Department Leadership as needed. Transfer Credit, Prior Learning & Certification Evaluation – (5%) Evaluate transfer credit and prior FAA certifications for incoming students. Communicate how external flight hours, certificates, or coursework apply to program requirements. Coordinate with the Registrar and Aviation Department to ensure accurate credit articulation and documentation. Academic Performance Monitoring – (5%) Monitor student academic performance in aviation core courses. Identify academic concerns early and advise on corrective actions affecting flight training progression. Assist with academic improvement plans and referrals to tutoring, coaching, or departmental support. Student Support, Retention & Professional Development – (5%) Build strong advising relationships that promote persistence, professionalism, and student well-being. Help students manage challenges unique to aviation training (weather delays, financing gaps, medical issues, extended timelines). Encourage participation in aviation industry events, internships, clubs, professional organizations, and career pathways. Non-Essential Functions and Percent of Time Working Conditions Regular office environment. Some weekend and evening events may be required. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). How did you hear about this position at Wright State University? Please check all that apply. 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