Director - Aerospace Safety

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