Department Chair

The College of Engineering at The Ohio State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Department of Aviation. The department seeks a leader who can realize our vision of becoming the inaugural chair who is grounded in Ohio States shared values. This position will start as early as August 2026.

Position Overview

The Chair of the Department of Aviation should be a bold leader who can envision innovative pathways to the future of Aviation education at Ohio State. The Chair uses their effective communication and interpersonal skills to build on existing relationships across three colleges and among Ohio States Aerospace program, Flight Education, and The Ohio State University Airport Don Scott. The Center for Aviation Studies recently became the Department of Aviation in order to continue to grow in size and influence over the next 5 to 10 years. Through their strong record of ethical behavior, integrity and transparency, the Chair cultivates and sustains an environment that encourages people to meet their full potential, including through faculty and staff development, hiring and retention, and student recruitment and retention. The Chair, who reports to the Dean of the College of Engineering, is responsible for all administrative, budgetary, and personnel decisions within the Department of Aviation, and will be responsible for leadership, management, and strategic vision for the next phase of the departments growth.

Performance Objectives

The Department Chair serves as the academic and administrative head of the Department of Aviation and represents the faculty in dealings with the Dean and University administration. Appointed for a four-year term and subject to annual review, the Chair is responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring effective governance, and advancing the academic mission of the Department in alignment with College and University priorities.

The Chair is accountable for fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and shared governance grounded in Ohio States Shared Values. Through inclusive, consultative leadership, the Chair supports faculty, staff, and student success; promotes excellence in teaching, research, and service; and ensures the long-term vitality and sustainability of the Department.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Leadership:

• Oversee the department's programs and operations.
• Develop and maintain a pattern of administration in consultation with faculty.
• Ensure efficient and timely operation of departmental business.

Faculty Collaboration:

• Schedule regular faculty meetings and maintain minutes.
• Consult with faculty on policy matters and ensure majority faculty rule is respected.
• Involve faculty in the selection and review of new members.

Personnel Management:

• Prepare criteria and procedures for appointments, dismissals, salary adjustments, promotions, and tenure.
• Evaluate faculty periodically and inform them of their rights regarding personnel files.
• Recommend faculty appointments, promotions, and dismissals to the dean.

Academic and Research Excellence:

• Encourage and support scholarly and educational innovation.
• Promote improvement of instruction through course evaluations and reviews.
• Ensure equitable distribution of faculty duties in instruction, scholarship, and service.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Prepare annual budget recommendations in consultation with faculty.
• Plan regular evaluations of instructional and administrative processes for improvement.

External Engagement & Advancement

• Cultivate relationships with alumni, industry partners, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities in partnership with University Advancement and designated staff.

Reporting Structure: The Department Chair reports to the Dean of the College.

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Earned doctorate in aviation, or a closely related field
• The professional qualifications and credentials necessary to be appointed at the rank of full professor in the Department of Aviation.
• Demonstrated expertise as an innovative scholar in aviation research characterized by robust external funding and publications in top disciplinary journals

Desired:

• Ability to develop, articulate and execute a strong strategic vision for the department
• Experience in leading people and managing academic programs and budgets
• A collaborative leadership style that builds and grows relationships within, and between, the department, the three colleges, the Air Transportation and Aerospace Campus, University, and external stakeholders, such as alumni, parents, business, government and the local community
• A commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary education at the undergraduate level
• A commitment to collaborative research and a track record of competitive research funding from a variety of sources
• A record of service to, and leadership of, the profession within a university or research organization
• Demonstrated ability and/or previous experience working collaboratively with college and university administrators and leaders to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
• A history of engaging in national or international partnerships, entrepreneurial activities, industrial partnerships, and/or external fundraising.

Additional Information

The final offer for this position will be determined based on the candidates qualifications and experience. Salary and start-up packages are negotiated by the Dean of the College of Engineering and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Ohio State provides access to a depth and breadth of opportunities and resources. Starting your first day, Ohio State offers you a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please be aware that you will not be able to edit your application after you submit it (this includes application materials).

Please include all and only the following required application materials in the Application Documents section, found in the My Experience step (Step 2 of the application process):

• Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
• Attachment 2: Leadership CV (do not include pictures in your CV): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, and publications.
• Attachment 3: Statements of teaching and/or research interests
• Attachment 4: Names and contact information of FIVE references

Application review:

Review of applications will begin upon submission.

Department Information

The Department of Aviation is based in Ohio States rich history of teaching aviation, beginning in 1917. Throughout its history, the program has trained pilots for two world wars, as well as civilians. The School of Aviation was created in 1942, becoming the Department of Aviation within the College of Engineering in 1963, the Center for Aviation Studies in 2011, and Department of Aviation in 2026. The department enrolls more than 450 students each semester in its three degree programs, encompassing all aspects of the air transportation system. Its Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) accredited degree programs span three colleges: Engineering (Bachelor of Science in Aviation), Arts and Sciences (Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences: Air Transportation, offered by the Department of Geography), and the Fisher College of Business (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Aviation Management). The department is also home to flight education, an undergraduate minor, and a program in aircraft dispatch. As a collaborator in Ohio States Air Transportation and Aerospace Campus located at Don Scott Field (KOSU), the department is a vital part of Ohios center of excellence in aviation, preparing students to lead, develop, and operate a safe and efficient global aviation system for the 21st century.

The College of Engineering

Faculty Development: The Ohio State University and the College of Engineering are committed to support and develop faculty as well as the work-life balance of its faculty. These resources include The Engineering Faculty Mentoring Program, the Better Research through Better Mentoring program, and an institutional membership to the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning. To learn more visit: https://engineering.osu.edu/faculty-development.

Learn more about the College of Engineering, the university and Columbus here.