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. The Executive Director also oversees a $25M+ operational budget and lifecycle planning of training resources, and includes 45+ aircraft ($19M+).

This role plans, organizes, and manages the execution of 14 CFR Part 61, Part 91, and Part 141 operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality student training experience. In coordination with other senior leadership, this position ensures FAA compliance while driving continuous improvement in training performance, student outcomes, and operational efficiency. The role leads a team of directors who oversee instructor standardization, training quality, and student evaluations to ensure students are prepared for their required FAA certification as part of their overall educational 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.
• Ensures 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).
• Provides leadership support for 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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises three (3) Directors and one (1) Coordinator. Indirectly supervises 170+ 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 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.

• 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 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.

Time Type

Full time

Location

Onsite

Pay Range

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure.

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance.

$100,000.00 - $135,000.00