Program Director Jobs in Dothan, AL (NOW HIRING)

This position is pending contract award.  The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026.

Description 

The Director of Academic Training oversees all academic instruction, curriculum development, and ground training operations supporting FSN IERW program requirements. The role ensures training quality, regulatory compliance, and alignment with contract performance objectives. 

This position leads the academic mission to deliver disciplined, safetyfocused, and industryaligned aviation education. The director maintains rigorous standards, ensures curriculum relevance, and integrates classroom instruction with operational aviation practice. Through structured oversight and coordination with faculty, the Director of Academic Training produces competent, compliant, and missionready graduates who meet FSN IERW expectations. 

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Direct and manage all academic training programs to ensure compliance with FAA regulations, contract requirements, and organizational standards. 
• Develop, revise, and maintain academic curricula, lesson plans, and instructional materials supporting standardized, high-quality instruction. 
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate ground instructors to ensure instructional proficiency and adherence to approved methodologies. 
• Coordinate academic training activities with flight training, safety, and quality departments to ensure integrated training outcomes. 
• Oversee student academic progression, testing, and evaluation processes; ensure accurate documentation and reporting. 
• Implement academic quality-assurance measures, conduct audits, and initiate corrective actions to maintain program integrity. 
• Maintain professional currency in FAA ground instruction requirements, regulatory changes, and industry best practices. 
• Manage academic scheduling, classroom utilization, and resource allocation to support efficient training operations. 
• Provide strategic leadership for all academic training programs within the aviation department, ensuring alignment with FAA regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices. 
• Oversee curriculum design, development, and continuous improvement for pilot, maintenance, and aviation technology training programs. 
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate faculty and instructional staff, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation. 
• Partner with industry leaders, airlines, and regulatory bodies to ensure training programs remain relevant and future-focused. 
• Implement advanced training technologies, such as flight simulators, virtual reality modules, and digital learning platforms. 
• Monitor student performance metrics and implement strategies to improve retention, graduation rates, and job placement outcomes. 
• Manage budgets, resources, and scheduling to optimize program delivery and operational efficiency. 
• Represent the institution at aviation conferences, industry events, and accreditation reviews. 
• Other duties as assigned  

What You Will Need to Be Successful in This Role 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience, Master's preferred. 
• Minimum 10 years of academic training experience required. 
• FAA Ground Instructor Certificate with Advanced and Instrument ratings required. 
• Experience developing curricula, lesson plans, and academic training materials required. 
• Experience supervising instructors or leading academic programs preferred. 
• Ability to travel as needed to support training operations. 
• A strong aviation background, ideally with FAA certifications (ATP, CFI, A&P, or equivalent) and a deep understanding of flight operations or aviation maintenance. 
• Proven leadership experience in academic or training program management, preferably in aviation education. 
• In-depth knowledge of FAA Part 141 regulations and other relevant aviation training standards. 
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills. 
• A passion for mentoring both students and faculty, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in aviation. 
• Experience integrating emerging training technologies into academic programs. 
• Experienced in government directed aviation training and versed in expectations required for executing government directed training (task, condition, standard).  
• Ability to obtain and maintain required clearances and access. 
  • In order to access Fort Rucker, US Citizenship is required.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 

• Competitive compensation. 
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match. 
• Generous paid time off program. 
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities. 

Physical Demands / Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach, and move about the facility. 
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting. Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment. 

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources. 

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