About This Role:

Kansas State University's Aerospace and Technology Campus seeks its next innovative and inspiring leader to serve as the Department Head for Aviation. We are looking for a well-rounded professional who can think beyond the traditional education, operations, and training model to propel aviation education into the future. A successful candidate will have the aptitude to manage, negotiate and recommend improvements to maintain pace in higher education and with industry trends and be passionate about mentoring others and supporting a diverse environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to develop meaningful partnerships, network which will lead to industry engagement, and fundraise to support advantageous departmental goals.
• Lead and foster an environment within the department to ensure a culture that supports adaptation to future education needs, diversity, classroom and co-curricular learning experiences and high productivity.
• Ensure alignment between FAA, department and university policies and success of FAR Part 61, 141, 145, and 147 requirements that are established in program and operational certificates
• Oversee the integration of core disciplines and diversity into aviation curriculum. Enhance teaching by developing innovative pedagogy, lab experiences, and delivery methods
• Responsible for departmental budget oversight, project management, decision-making.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University's Aerospace and Technology Campus is located in Salina, KS, about 65 miles west of Kansas State University’s main campus in Manhattan. The campus is centered around the student experience emphasizing innovative learning, real-world experiences and industry connections. Our student to faculty ratio is 14:1 – meaning our faculty are focused on each student. We are a tight-knit family with a small college feel and the resources of a Big 12 university.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned a master’s degree (Ph.D. preferred) from an accredited institution.
• Thought leader with the aptitude to manage, negotiate and recommend improvements to maintain pace in higher education and with industry trends.
• Demonstrated experience with good financial stewardship, decision-making, and project management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in developing and supporting a positive, respectful, and culturally diverse work environment.
• Experience in developing and maintaining professional relationships with industry to ensure that the program provides appropriate student career preparation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity managing FAA air agency certifications FAR Part 141 and Part 147
• Prior higher education experience

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of Interest
2. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
3. Names and Contact Information for three current, professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 2, 2023.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.