Director, School of Aviation

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU Carbondale) invites nominations and applications for Director of the School of Aviation. We seek a talented and inspirational academic leader to provide direction and leadership for this nationally recognized aviation program. This is a full-time, 12-month administrative faculty position; salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Director of the School of Aviation is the chief administrative and academic officer of the school and reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The successful candidate is expected to bring a vision for the future that will inspire, encourage, build consensus, and lead the faculty, students, and staff of the school community to greater academic excellence. The successful candidate will provide leadership in shaping the identity of the school, inspire the school to develop innovative interdisciplinary academic and research activities, and serve as the face of the School in outreach to alumni and other constituencies.

The School of Aviation is nationally recognized, FAA-approved, and offers undergraduate programs in aviation flight, aviation management, and aviation technology, as well as a graduate program in aviation management. The school offers academic programing on-campus, online, and at off-campus site locations across the nation. Our offerings provide an outstanding academic experience to students with diverse interests and career and professional goals. Faculty and students in the school also engage in innovative research across an impressive array of scholarly areas. Additional information is available at School of Aviation ).

The position is available on July 1, 2024. Review of applications will begin February 5, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled or an adequate applicant pool is established. For additional information, please contact Dr. Jose Ruiz ), chair of the search committee, or Dr. Robert Morgan ), Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences.

Examples of Duties

The Director will assume administrative responsibility for directing the school's faculty/staff hiring, annual reviews, budgeting, course planning, curriculum, student recruitment and retention, and other academic duties, be committed to the professional development of faculty, staff, and students, and foster collaborations within the School and with other appropriate college and campus constituencies.

Specific responsibilities include:

Planning, development, coordination, review, and administration of undergraduate and graduate instructional programs to enhance learning outcomes of enrolled students
Providing leadership in fostering an environment that advances University goals regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion
Ensuring faculty and staff excellence through effective recruitment, retention, and evaluation of personnel
Enhancing recruitment, retention, and degree completion rates of students
Providing educational leadership, fostering excellence, and creating a culture of increased research, scholarship, and creative activity among faculty
Developing and recommending budgets, as well as administering approved budgets and controlling expenditures within the unit
Promoting alumni relations and representing the School to various constituencies
Teaching in the Director's disciplinary area, as assigned by the Dean

General Information:

SIU Carbondale is a doctoral research university with students from all 50 states and approximately 100 countries. We offer roughly 200 degree programs, with about 100 degrees each at the undergraduate and graduate level, plus professional degrees in law and medicine. SIU Carbondale embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching focused on nurturing student success. As a nationally ranked public research university and regional economic catalyst, we create and exchange knowledge to shape future leaders, improve our communities, and transform lives. Carbondale, IL, the home of Southern Illinois University, is located in a region characterized by its natural beauty due to the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park, and other outdoor opportunities. The city is a hub for the region yet maintains a small town feel with college town amenities. It is also easily accessible to a host of midwestern (e.g., St. Louis, Indianapolis) and southern (e.g., Nashville, Memphis) cities within a 2-4 hour drive. The local airport recently started offering a connection to O'Hare airport.

SIU Carbondale, member of the SIU System, is an anti-racist community that opposes racism, discrimination and inequity in any form, and embraces diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice for all people. SIU Carbondale is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

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