Chair of the Department of Aeronautical Science

Job Description

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation invites applications for the position of Chair of the Department of Aeronautical Science at the Daytona Beach Campus.

The Department Chair provides academic leadership, administrative oversight, and strategic direction for the department. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Aviation, the Chair ensures the quality, integrity, and relevance of departmental programs while supporting the University’s mission, academic goals, and commitment to excellence in aviation education.

This position includes a faculty appointment at the rank of Professor or another appropriate academic rank, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

The Department Chair will:

• Provide leadership and direction for the department’s academic programs, faculty, staff, and students.
• Oversee course scheduling, faculty assignments, faculty evaluations, course documentation, and related academic administrative processes.
• Manage departmental resources through the University’s budget and salary administration processes.
• Implement continuous quality improvement and program assessment activities consistent with accreditation requirements.
• Support student retention initiatives in coordination with the Office of Undergraduate Advising.
• Oversee appropriate advising activities and maintain accurate student and academic records.
• Promote academic excellence in teaching, research, and service through faculty mentoring and regular review of course evaluations.
• Address faculty performance matters in consultation with the Dean and Human Resources, as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain relationships with professional organizations and aviation industry partners.
• Ensure that departmental programs provide students with appropriate educational preparation for professional and academic success.
• Determine and verify appropriate faculty credentials.
• Recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified faculty who meet University curriculum, scholarship, and instructional standards.
• Serve on department, college, and campus committees as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.

The Chair will also maintain an active faculty role, including teaching, scholarship, and service responsibilities consistent with the expectations of the College of Aviation and the University.

About us

For over 100 years, Embry-Riddle has been the world's leading aviation and aerospace university, educating more than 30,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as through a global network of Worldwide locations and online programs. With more than 165,000 alumni around the world, our impact reaches every corner of the aerospace, aviation, defense and technology industries.

Today, our faculty, researchers and professional staff are advancing innovation across aviation, space, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems and next-generation engineering. Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and innovators, they are solving real-world challenges and shaping the technologies that will define tomorrow.

Whether you are an educator, researcher, administrator, technologist or industry professional, your work at Embry-Riddle will contribute to something bigger than a job. Join a community driven by discovery, purpose and excellence—and help shape the future of aerospace.

About the department of Aeronautical Science

The Department of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus prepares students for successful careers across the aviation industry through rigorous academics, immersive flight training, and applied learning. The department offers programs in Aeronautical Science, Aeronautics, and Uncrewed and Autonomous Systems, along with related certificates and minors.

Our faculty bring extensive experience as airline and military pilots, corporate and test pilots, aerospace professionals, flight safety experts, and aviation researchers. Through strong industry partnerships, hands-on instruction, simulation, research, and mentorship, the department equips students with the technical knowledge, professional judgment, and leadership skills needed to succeed in traditional and emerging aviation careers. Learn more about the Department of Aeronautical Science.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in aeronautical science, aviation, aerospace, or a closely related discipline.
• Significant academic and professional experience in aviation or aeronautical science.
• Record of successful teaching, scholarship, and service appropriate for appointment at the professor level.
• Demonstrated academic leadership or administrative experience, preferably as a department chair, program director, associate dean, or comparable academic administrator.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, evaluating, and developing faculty.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, industry partners, and professional organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading an aviation or aeronautical science program.
• Knowledge of flight education, aviation operations, aviation safety, or related areas.
• Experience working with aviation accreditation or regulatory requirements.
• Established relationships with aviation industry, professional, or governmental organizations.
• Experience supporting enrollment, student retention, and graduate outcomes.

Application process/requirements

Review of applications will begin October 1st and will continue until the position has been filled.

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R312080. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter
• Full CV
• Statements of teaching philosophy
• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry-Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry-Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.

Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact [email protected] and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.