Executive Director of Aviation Technology

The Executive Director of Aviation Technology 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 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) training, UAS operations, simulator operations, and the integration of new aviation technologies into existing and future School of Aeronautics programs. The role leads a team of directors who oversee UAS training and operations, simulator resources, and 14 CFR Part 60 and Part 107 compliance. Leads the evaluation, testing, and adoption of emerging aviation technologies, ensuring alignment with training objectives, operational needs, and future workforce demands. The Executive Director also oversees a $3M+ operational budget and the lifecycle planning for training resources, including 35+ simulation devices ($4M+) and 15+ UAS, as well as procurement, integration, sustainment, and modernization to support current and future mission requirements. The EDAT is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal and external relationships with industry partners and federal, state, and local agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides strategic leadership for aviation technology programs and capabilities, including UAS operations, simulator operations, and the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring alignment with the School of Aeronautics mission, workforce needs, and academic programs. Provides executive oversight of UAS and simulator operations through subordinate directors, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all training and operational activities in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and university policies. Directs and oversees the operational budget, planning, development, and lifecycle management of aviation technology resources, including simulators, UAS platforms, and supporting systems, ensuring effective procurement, integration, sustainment, and modernization. Leads the strategic advancement and integration of innovative aviation technologies and applied research initiatives to enhance training effectiveness and operational capability. Collaborates with Associate Deans, Executive Directors, and external partners to align operations, facilities planning, and technology integration, while fostering strategic relationships that support program growth, student success, and a positive student experience. Establishes and cultivates strategic partnerships with industry and local, regional, and federal government stakeholders to advance the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies, develop new vendor relationships, influence relevant policy and regulatory initiatives, and expand into new and emerging training markets. Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.

S Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's Christian model and Mission - Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises three (3) Directors. Indirectly supervises 15+ employees.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, Aerospace, or a related field Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in aviation technology, UAS operations, simulation, or a related aerospace field. Minimum of 5 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training, flight operations, UAS training, UAS operations, aviation maintenance training management, or experience in 14 CFR Part 60 FAA National Simulator Program (NSP) management. Demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: UAS operations and training Flight simulation and training technologies Aviation systems or emerging aerospace technologies

Preferred:

FAA Certification:

(UAS, and/or Commercial, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI and/or A&P and IA). 10 years of experience in the leadership of aviation training, flight operations, UAS, or maintenance training management. 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, a maintenance training facility, and includes extended periods outside working with UAS operations in all weather conditions. 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 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. Before you begin an application, please review our application process. Whatever capacity you work in at Liberty University, you'll be playing a supportive role in our mission of Training Champions for Christ. Liberty has a wide variety of engaging and challenging positions available that are waiting for committed men and women of integrity just like you. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971. As one of the nation's largest Christian universities, Liberty employs a diverse community of faculty, staff, and student professionals who are united by a shared mission and commitment to excellence. Through their dedication and service, Liberty employees help create a collaborative, faith-driven environment that supports meaningful work and lasting impact.