Flight Program Director

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY - NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Address of Job Location: 9200 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406-9121

Website page of the Job Posting

Job Summary:

The Flight Program Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial performance of the flight school. The Flight Program Director ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, university policies, and industry standards while fostering a culture of safety, professionalism, and excellence. As the primary representative of the flight school, the Flight Program Director maintains strong relationships with the university, regulatory agencies and airport management.

The Flight Program Director reports to the Chair of the Department of Aeronautics and the CSU CFO. The Flight Program Director supervises the Director of Maintenance, Director of Training, Chief Flight Instructor, Director of Operations, Safety Manager and the Flight School Administrator.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Vision: Define and execute the long-term mission and strategic goals of the flight school in alignment with university objectives.
Resource Acquisition: Identify and secure critical infrastructure and capital assets, including aircraft, office space, and hangar facilities.

Strategic Growth & Staffing: Direct comprehensive hiring plans to ensure all departments—flight, maintenance, and admin—are staffed to meet enrollment demands.

Executive Oversight: Manage the performance of senior leadership, including Directors of Maintenance, Training, Operations, and the Chief Flight Instructor.

Administrative Management: Directly supervise the full-time Flight School Administrator to ensure high-level operational synchronization and efficient workflows.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to FAA, TSA, VA, and university policies, overseeing all inspections, audits, and mandatory reporting.

Safety Culture: Promote a top-down culture of safety, prioritizing the implementation and continuous monitoring of the Safety Management System (SMS).

Operational Excellence: Establish and monitor organizational KPIs to maintain the highest industry standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.

Student Success: Oversee student record management and progress reporting to university leadership, ensuring students meet both educational and FAA requirements.

Financial Stewardship: Manage the flight school budget, including flight lab fee pricing, cost controls, and long-term financial sustainability.

Leadership Development: Lead performance management and recruitment for all senior staff to foster a collaborative and professional work environment.

Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in business, aviation, or a related field preferred.

Proven leadership experience in the aviation or flight training industry.

In-depth knowledge of FAA regulations (Parts 61, 91, and 141) and compliance requirements.

Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and resources.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Strategic thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities (see the Statement of Purpose below for additional qualifications).

Expiration Date of Job Posting: August 24, 2026