Job Details

Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs

Position Number: 7334442
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Position Type: Vocational & Technical - Aviation

Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs

Cuesta College

Salary: $113,316.00 - $137,736.00 Annually
Job Type: Full Time - 12 Months/ 100% FTE
Job Number: FY2627-00021
Location: San Luis Obispo Campus, CA
Department: Instruction
Closing: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description Summary

DEFINITION
Under the general supervision of an assigned administrator, the Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs provides leadership in the oversight of daily functions of educational programs related to the aviation and aerospace industries, ensuring compliance with program-specific regulations, accreditation standards, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
The Director is responsible for maintaining continuous FAA approval under the Code of Federal Regulations applicable to each program (e.g., 14 CFR Parts 107, 108, and 147), as defined in the FAA-approved Program Manual submitted as a condition of certification, and serves as the primary liaison to the FAA. The Program Director is responsible for regulatory compliance, safety oversight, and student eligibility for federal aviation license certification.
In addition to oversight of current educational programs in aviation, this position leads the development, expansion, and implementation of new aviation and aerospace programs and related certificate and degree pathways.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Aviation and Aerospace Programs is distinguished from other management positions by the requirement to meet FAA qualifications and serve as the primary institutional liaison through the local Flight Standards District Office. The incumbent must possess thorough knowledge of all applicable Federal laws, regulations, and accreditation standards governing certified aviation and aerospace programs.
Incumbents support student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness by effectively responding to the needs of the local service area, strengthening partnerships with community and industry agencies, and providing students with the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the aviation and aerospace industries. The Director exercises administrative responsibility for program safety systems, budget, facilities, faculty coordination, and expansion of new aviation and aerospace offerings.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work
Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html
The college planning documents can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html
Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/student-equity-initiatives/equity/index.html
We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/human-resources/benefits/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Oversight

Oversee the administrative functions of assigned educational programs, including Aviation Maintenance Technician;
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations by submitting required reports and coordinating inspections for training locations;
Maintain knowledge of applicable federal laws, regulations, and accreditation standards;
Serve as the primary liaison with the FAA through the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO);
Collaborate with program faculty to ensure curriculum alignment with relevant standards;
Develop and host an advisory committee as needed to support each educational program and ensure alignment with workforce needs and employment trends;
Develop, manage, and monitor assigned program budgets, including instructional supplies, aircraft, tooling, equipment, materials, and specialized facilities;
Collaborate with the Dean and Division Chair to develop instructional schedules and recommend assignments to ensure FAA compliance and instructor authorization alignment;
Maintain a master list of all instructors with the required qualifications to teach assigned courses and subjects and authorization records required for FAA inspection;
Track and report enrollment trends, attrition points, and completion data to identify regulatory, scheduling, or instructional barriers impacting student persistence;
Maintain administrative responsibility for aviation program safety systems, including FAA safety requirements, Cal-OSHA compliance, and the College's Injury and Illness Prevention Program;
Track the pass rate for certification examinations, monitor pass rates against the minimum standard required under FAA regulations, and work with program faculty to address program content, as needed; and
Conduct end-of-course surveys and utilize data in collaboration with faculty to support program outcomes;

Program Expansion and Accreditation

Lead the development and launch of new educational programs supporting the aviation and aerospace industries;
Support curriculum development, perform regulatory analysis, and coordinate facilities planning and staffing for new and expanded aviation offerings;
Work with academic leadership to ensure programs meet College policies, CA Educational Code, Title 5, and ACCJC accreditation standards required for approval, program review, and financial aid eligibility;
Initiate documentation and support institutional accreditation and substantive change processes, as needed, related to aviation and aerospace programs;
Lead the development of recruitment strategies for new and emerging aviation and aerospace programs; and
Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Required

Bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace, business, education, management, or similar field from an accredited institution;

Preferred

Master's degree from an accredited college or university;

Experience:
Required

Minimum three years of experience in an aviation or aerospace leadership and/or managerial role within an organization holding an FAA Air Agency Certificate;

Preferred

Development of new programs at the community college level, including courses, certificates and degrees;
Coordinating of student recruitment and retention efforts within a college or technical training environment; and
Familiarity with the accreditation process and compliance with educational and aviation standards;

Knowledge of:

Federal Aviation Administration regulations and requirements applicable to 14 CFR Part 147 certificated training programs;
Enrollment management principles, including student recruitment, retention, cohort progression, and completion in structured technical programs;
Budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource management for programs involving specialized equipment and facilities;
District policies and procedures related to compliance, reporting, and institutional accountability;
Current technologies and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;
Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and
District policies and procedures.

Ability to:

Understand, interpret, and apply FAA regulations and requirements within an instructional and institutional setting;
Serve as the designated Program Director and effectively interact with FAA inspectors, regulators, and external auditors;
Exercise sound professional judgment in safety-critical and compliance-driven environments with significant institutional liability;
Communicate complex regulatory, accreditation, and operational requirements clearly to faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders;
Build and maintain productive relationships with industry partners, advisory committees, workforce agencies, and veterans' organizations;
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and
Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Physical ability to:

Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and
Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

Additional Requirements:

Provide own transportation and travel countywide.

License and Certificates (current within the last year or must be continuously current):
Required

Valid driver's license and eligible to obtain California driver's license upon hire.

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY
Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

Cover letter;
Resume;
Reference List (see further instructions below);
Unofficial transcripts;
Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community.
In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above, please explain how you will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this position.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District ("Cuesta College") is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/community/publicsafety/crime-information/clery-act.html

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an in-person interview on Monday, August 31, 2026. Applicants who are are unable to attend in person may request a Zoom interview, and we will accommodate those requests.

Second interviews will be held in person on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cuesta

The San Luis Obispo County Community College District promotes inclusiveness, prohibits discrimination, and encourages all qualified persons to apply. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Cuesta College actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to assist students, staff, and faculty. For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office: (805) 546-3129.