Program Operations Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ANNOUNCMENT OF POSITION VACANCY
FLSA Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Compensation:
$70,000
Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
SECTION I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE
At CMU, we believe in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no perfect idea.
From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience. We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities for growth and advancement.
Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared vision of the world we aspire to create.
Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes, overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to achieve our goals
SECTION II - THE SEAT
At CMU, we look at every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the seats.
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Tech is seeking a highly qualified and experienced aviation maintenance professional to serve as the Program Director - Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic Program. The Program Director provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the Aviation Technology Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Program and serves as the primary administrator responsible for ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness, and student success.
The Program Director is responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, including 14 CFR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) standards, while leading the continued development and growth of the program. This position oversees curriculum development, faculty leadership, student success initiatives, facilities and equipment, industry alignment, and continuous improvement efforts.
The Program Director reports to the Director of Aviation and works collaboratively with faculty, students, aviation industry partners, and university stakeholders to prepare students for successful careers as aviation maintenance technicians.
OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS
FAA Compliance and Program Leadership

• Serve as the primary program leader responsible for maintaining FAA Part 147 compliance and ensuring the A&P Mechanic Program meets all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate FAA-required records, documentation, training records, instructor qualifications, curriculum documentation, and audit preparation materials.
• Prepare for and support FAA inspections, reviews, and compliance activities.
• Ensure program policies, procedures, and instructional practices align with FAA regulations and industry expectations.
• Provide leadership in maintaining a strong aviation safety culture throughout program operations.

Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the A&P Mechanic Program curriculum to meet FAA requirements, industry standards, and workforce needs.
• Ensure course content, laboratory experiences, instructional materials, and training methodologies support student preparation for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.
• Evaluate emerging aviation maintenance technologies and industry trends to maintain program relevance.
• Teach assigned aviation maintenance courses and laboratory sections as part of an 8-credit instructional load.
• Maintain instructional quality through effective course delivery, hands-on training experiences, and alignment with aviation maintenance best practices.

Faculty Leadership and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision and leadership for A&P faculty and instructional staff.
• Participate in faculty recruitment, hiring recommendations, onboarding, evaluation, workload management, and professional development.
• Mentor faculty and support continuous improvement of instructional practices.
• Promote consistent instructional standards and effective teaching methods throughout the program.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and safety-focused learning environment.

Student Success and Advising

• Support student recruitment, retention, completion, and career preparation initiatives.
• Advise and mentor students regarding academic progress, professional development, and aviation maintenance career pathways.
• Support students preparing for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification examinations.
• Monitor student success indicators and use program feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Address student concerns related to program expectations, policies, and training requirements.

Industry Engagement and Workforce Alignment

• Develop and maintain relationships with aviation maintenance employers, repair stations, airlines, and other aviation industry organizations.
• Seek industry feedback to support curriculum relevance, equipment decisions, and program improvement.
• Represent CMU Tech at aviation maintenance professional events, workforce meetings, and industry activities as appropriate.
• Support internship, employment, and workforce development opportunities through industry relationships.

Program Operations, Facilities, and Equipment Management

• Oversee daily operations of the A&P Mechanic Program, including instructional scheduling, laboratory activities, resources, and program needs.
• Manage and maintain aviation maintenance training facilities, aircraft, tools, equipment, and instructional resources.
• Ensure laboratory and training environments meet FAA, university, and safety expectations.
• Develop equipment inventory, replacement, and acquisition plans.
• Manage relationships with vendors and aviation equipment suppliers.
• Participate in long-term planning for program growth, facilities expansion, technology improvements, and resource development.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the A&P Mechanic Program budget.
• Plan and prioritize expenditures related to equipment, instructional resources, facilities, and operational needs.
• Identify future resource requirements to support program growth and maintain industry relevance.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.

Program Growth, Outreach, and Continuous Improvement

• Support efforts to increase program visibility, enrollment, and community awareness.
• Participate in outreach and recruitment activities that promote aviation maintenance education and career opportunities.
• Support program assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Use feedback from students, faculty, FAA requirements, and industry partners to improve program effectiveness.
• Contribute to establishing CMU Tech's A&P Mechanic Program as a leading aviation maintenance education program.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and areas of accountability.
SECTION III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT
For the success of our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit" in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture, demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.
Minimum Qualifications

• FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional aviation maintenance experience in general aviation, commercial aviation, military aviation, or a related aviation maintenance environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations applicable to aviation maintenance training programs, including 14 CFR Part 147 requirements.
• Experience providing technical instruction, workforce training, mentoring, or educational leadership in an aviation maintenance environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, organize, and manage technical or educational programs.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in aviation maintenance, aviation technology, education, management, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in aviation, education, management, or related discipline.
• FAA Inspection Authorization (IA).
• Previous experience working in an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School or similar aviation maintenance training environment.
• Experience as an aviation maintenance instructor, lead instructor, program coordinator, or aviation maintenance education administrator.
• Experience with FAA audits, compliance reviews, curriculum development, and program improvement initiatives.
• Experience developing relationships with aviation industry employers and workforce organizations.
• Experience using educational technology, learning management systems, student information systems, scheduling platforms, assessment tools, or FAA recordkeeping systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of aviation maintenance practices, FAA regulations, and industry standards.
• Commitment to aviation safety, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Ability to lead faculty, staff, and students in a technical education environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic educational environment.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and adapt to changing aviation industry needs.
• Commitment to student success and workforce development.
• Ability to promote continuous improvement and program excellence.

Working Conditions
This position operates in a combination of office, classroom, laboratory, hangar, and aviation operational environments. The Program Director will regularly interact with students, faculty, aircraft, aviation maintenance equipment, and instructional resources.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:

• Work safely in aviation maintenance environments, including aircraft hangars, laboratories, and outdoor areas.
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, and move throughout instructional and maintenance spaces.
• Occasionally lift or move materials, tools, and equipment associated with aviation maintenance training.
• Safely operate in environments containing aircraft, mechanical systems, tools, and equipment.
• Perform computer-based administrative work, including documentation, reporting, communication, and program management activities.

Additional Information
This position represents CMU Tech Aviation Technology and requires a professional who can combine aviation maintenance expertise, educational leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committ