Executive Director, Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace
Job Family ADMIN - Professional Exempt Contractual (PEC) Grade 20 Salary $127,563 to $159,455 Department Campus President Reports To Campus President Closing Date December 27, 2026 FLSA Status Exempt - Not Eligible for Overtime Compensation First Review Date October 6, 2026
Position Overview
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and direction for Miami Dade College's Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace and oversees the development and delivery of innovative, industry-aligned education and workforce programs. The Executive Director leads stackable credentials, professional development, FAA licensure preparation, apprenticeships, certificates, and associate degree pathways while building partnerships with airlines, aerospace employers, aviation organizations, K-12 schools, universities, and community stakeholders. The position advances student success, program quality and continuous improvement, workforce alignment, instructional talent development, marketing and outreach, resource development, regulatory and accreditation compliance, budget and fiscal stewardship, and industry engagement to ensure programs meet evolving workforce and technology needs.
What you will be doing
This function/position has been designated as "essential." This means that when the College is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at the College.
Additional Requirements
The final candidate is to successfully complete a background screening and reference check process.
EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran's status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information.
To obtain more information about the College's equal access and equal opportunity policies, procedures and practices, please contact the College's Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Cindy Lau Evans, Director, Equal Opportunity Programs/ ADA Coordinator/ Title IX Coordinator, at (305) 237-2577 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service). 11011 SW 104 St., Room 1102-01; Miami, FL 33176. CRCTitleIXADA@mdc.edu
Position Overview
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and direction for Miami Dade College's Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace and oversees the development and delivery of innovative, industry-aligned education and workforce programs. The Executive Director leads stackable credentials, professional development, FAA licensure preparation, apprenticeships, certificates, and associate degree pathways while building partnerships with airlines, aerospace employers, aviation organizations, K-12 schools, universities, and community stakeholders. The position advances student success, program quality and continuous improvement, workforce alignment, instructional talent development, marketing and outreach, resource development, regulatory and accreditation compliance, budget and fiscal stewardship, and industry engagement to ensure programs meet evolving workforce and technology needs.
What you will be doing
- Provides leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation and advancement of aviation and aerospace programs aligned with industry standards, workforce needs, emerging technologies, and evolving industry trends
- Leads efforts to position the Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace as a recognized center of academic excellence, innovation, workforce development, and industry collaboration
- Analyzes student-success and program-performance data to evaluate outcomes and drive continuous improvement
- Develops, implements, and evaluates marketing campaigns that reach local, statewide, and international audiences
- Cultivates strategic relationships with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, airlines, aviation and aerospace organizations, employers and community stakeholders to create seamless educational pathways and expand student learning, career and employment opportunities
- Identifies, develops, and secures external resources to support program growth, innovation, and student success
- Ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, accreditation standards, industry requirements, and College policies and procedures
- Directs resource allocation and maintain sound fiscal stewardship
- Represents the Florida Center for Aviation and Aerospace on College committees, task forces, industry groups and external forums
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and seven (7) years of senior level experience in administrative or equivalent managerial skills in aviation, aerospace, or career and technical education
- Knowledge of college educational philosophy and top management administrative practices and procedures
- Comprehensive knowledge of aviation and/or aerospace programs, and regulatory requirements
- Proven leadership and strategic-planning ability
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders
- Ability to manage budgets, interpret data, and optimize resources
- Proficiency with technology used in aviation, aerospace, and administrative operations
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-changing environments
- Demonstrated success in cultivating donors and building industry partnerships
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekend assignments
- Ability to work well with students, faculty and staff
This function/position has been designated as "essential." This means that when the College is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover and continue operations at the College.
Additional Requirements
The final candidate is to successfully complete a background screening and reference check process.
EQUAL ACCESS/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran's status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information.
To obtain more information about the College's equal access and equal opportunity policies, procedures and practices, please contact the College's Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Cindy Lau Evans, Director, Equal Opportunity Programs/ ADA Coordinator/ Title IX Coordinator, at (305) 237-2577 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service). 11011 SW 104 St., Room 1102-01; Miami, FL 33176. CRCTitleIXADA@mdc.edu