Job Title
Director - Aerospace Safety
Department
Aerospace
Salary
$79,964 - $101,687; commensurate with experience
Job Summary/Basic Function
The Director of Aerospace Safety serves as the principal advocate and leader for aerospace safety within the MTSU Department of Aerospace. Reporting to the Dean, and collaborating closely with the Department Chair and Director of Aerospace Operations, this position provides strategic leadership and oversight of all safety programs, including the continuous development, implementation, and evaluation of the department's Safety Management System (SMS) and Safety Management Program (SMP).
This role is responsible for establishing safety policies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across the department. The Director leads safety councils for faculty and staff, flight instructors, and students, fostering engagement and collaborative safety practices across all stakeholder groups.
As the primary point of contact for all safety-related matters, the Director promotes a culture of safety awareness and accountability. The position monitors safety performance trends and leads the collection, analysis, and reporting of safety data to support proactive risk identification and data-informed decision-making. The Director evaluates key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess program effectiveness and guide continuous enhancement of safety initiatives.
Additionally, the Director works cooperatively with other MTSU Safety Programs, the FAA, airport authorities, MTSU Airport Operations, Flight School staff, and Aerospace faculty to foster a proactive safety culture that ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and promotes operational excellence.
Required Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Safety (preferred), Aviation Management, Professional Pilot, Aviation Maintenance, or a related field. Master’s with demonstrated FAA Safety Management Systems work experience is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in other related fields with five (5) or more years of safety-related experience within the aerospace or aviation industry may be considered.
Required Related Experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of operational experience within the aerospace or aviation profession, preferably in aerospace/aviation safety.
• At least one (1) year of direct experience managing or participating in aviation safety programs.
Note: The required experience may be gained concurrently in the same position.
Required License/Registration/Certification
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate required.
• Additional FAA pilot certifications (Commercial, Multi-engine, Instrument, CFI, or ATP) strongly preferred.
Desirable Related Experience
• Demonstrated experience managing FAA safety programs and Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Experience leading safety training sessions or workshops to enhance safety culture and awareness
• Experience as an Assistant Chief Instructor or Chief Instructor of an FAA Part 141 flight training program
• Experience managing flight training operations
Desirable License/Registration/Certification
• Certifications in aviation safety programs, accident investigation, human factors, or risk management
• FAA certification in one or more of the following areas:
• Airframe & Powerplant Certificate
• Flight Dispatch Certificate
• Air Traffic Controller Certificate
Documents Needed to Apply
Cover Letter & Resume Required
MTSU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
- 13 paid University holidays
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
MTSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer that values diversity in all its forms. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility for U.S. employment is required before employment (Immigration Control Act of 1986). Clery Act crime statistics for MTSU are available at https://w1.mtsu.edu/police/annual-security-report.php or by contacting MTSU Public Safety at (615) 898-2424.
MTSU is a Tobacco & Drug-Free campus.
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide information about your criminal history to be considered.
For individuals requiring reasonable accommodation to apply: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email emp@mtsu.edu.
Application Review Date: September 3, 2025