Executive Director of Flight Training Operations

About the role

The Executive Director of Flight 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 flight training programs.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and direction for all flight training operations, establishing and executing long-term plans aligned with the School of Aeronautics mission and institutional priorities.
• Provides executive oversight of all operational functions through subordinate directors, ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective execution of scheduling, dispatch, maintenance control, instructor standardization, and special programs in full compliance with FAA regulations (Parts 61, 91, and 141) and university policies.
• Directs and oversees resource planning, budget development, and lifecycle management of training assets, ensuring alignment with enrollment demand, operational requirements, and long-term program growth.
• Safeguards the establishment and sustainment of rigorous training standards across all programs, directing leaders responsible for instructor qualification, currency, and evaluation.
• Oversees and aligns the development and continuous improvement of training curriculum and publications, including FAA-approved TCO, OCM, and syllabi, in coordination with Associate Deans and Executive Directors to ensure alignment with degree program requirements and to enhance student success and certification outcomes.
• Fosters good working relationships with regulatory agencies (FAA, TSA, VA. etc.), industry partners, and key collaborators (e.g., Freedom Aviation, Lynchburg Regional Airport).
• Supports recruitment, outreach, and high-visibility engagements, including special events and VIP visits, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities while promoting a high-quality student experience and advancing the School’s mission.
• 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

Qualifications And Credentials

• Master’s degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, Aerospace, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aviation training, flight operations, or a related aerospace field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training or flight operations management
• Demonstrated experience leading FAA-regulated programs
• FAA Certification: Commercial and CFI
• Preferred: FAA Certification: ATP, CFII, MEI
• 10 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training, or flight operations

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

• 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• 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.