Professor of Practice

Job Title: Professor of Practice

DUTIES: Faculty position is responsible for management of the aviation maintenance academic program for the Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. This position contributes to the quality and reputation of the aviation management academic program, preparing learners for successful careers in aviation  maintenance. This position will support curricular operations of the program,  manage the campus’ 14 CFR Part 147 documentation, and assist with innovative aviation maintenance educational programs that serve to populate the industry talent pipeline through multiple modalities, both within and outside of the 14 CFR Part 147 program. This position reports to the Aviation department head. This position is a 12-month appointment. NOTE: Program directors do not supervise faculty or staff. Kansas State University requires this to be done by the department head. Directors can have input on annual evaluations, but final evaluations are to be completed by the department head per university policy.

Program Management – 30%: Manage the college’s 14 CFR Part 147 certificate and corresponding operations, ensuring compliance with all FAA regulations and requirements outlined in the 14 CFR Part 147 document. Oversee the maintenance and updates of the 14 CFR Part 147 document to reflect current industry standards and best practices. Collaborate with faculty and staff to implement necessary changes and improvements to the program based on FAA guidelines. Serve as day-to-day point of contact for any faculty, staff, or student needs relating to the aviation maintenance program. Administer industry advisory board for the program, collaborating with the director of corporate relations as appropriate. Assist with corporate partnerships to construct quality programming in line with industry needs. Assist department head with annual evaluations for program faculty. Assist with management of the program budget. Support special projects and initiatives as directed by the department head.

Educational Program Support – 20%: Support the design and development of curriculum for the aviation maintenance program, aligning it with industry standards and emerging technologies. Collaborate with faculty and industry professionals to create engaging and relevant coursework with innovative teaching methods. Encourage co-curricular experiences for college students enrolled in the for- credit and degree training courses. Work with aviation maintenance faculty to ensure degree options and non- credit programs remain current and all involved parties understand current developments, curriculum requirements, and timelines. Facilitate departmental curriculum updates and changes in a timely manner. Oversee the management of the program’s assessment processes, collaborating with the aviation department head, associate dean of academics, and faculty. Support assessment and accreditation processes, including but not limited to facilitating reports, visits, and other necessary processes to maintain accreditation. In collaboration with the aviation department head, monitor semesterly  course schedules to ensure program faculty maintain appropriate teaching loads appropriate to their position and courses maintain standard rotation for student success. Assist with onboarding of qualified part-time faculty to teach classes. Ensure all academic and curricular processes follow university policy and procedures.

Instruction – 40%: Teach aviation maintenance education courses/programs (credit or non- credit). Engage in activities that facilitate student achievement of learning outcomes.

Service – 10%:  Serves on campus, university, and community committees as appropriate. Fosters a culture that encourages collegiality, excellent customer service, commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Ensures all policy and procedural requirements are followed. Works on special projects as assigned.

PRIMARY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  Master’s degree in aviation maintenance or aviation-related field. Three years of relevant experience, including experience with aviation maintenance education in a collegiate setting. Airframe and Powerplant certification. Strong communication skills for effective internal and external relationship development. Ability to work effectively with a team and with people from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences. Preferred qualifications: Demonstrate familiarity with FAA regulations, particularly those associated with 14 CFR Part 147.

Evidence of innovation in aviation.

ALTERNATE: In lieu of the Master’s degree, will accept 5 years of relevant industry experience, including three years of experience with aviation maintenance education in a collegiate setting. Airframe and Powerplant certification. Strong communication skills for effective internal and external relationship development. Ability to work effectively with a team and with people from diverse backgrounds and educational experiences. Preferred qualifications: Demonstrate familiarity with FAA regulations, particularly those associated with 14 CFR Part 147. Evidence of innovation in aviation.