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Job Title:

Department Chair

Department:

Engineering | Office of the Dean

Department of Aviation

College of Engineering

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 State’s 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 State’s 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 department’s 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 State’s 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 candidate’s 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.

Additional Information:

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 State’s 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 State’s Air Transportation and Aerospace Campus located at Don Scott Field (KOSU), the department is a vital part of Ohio’s 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.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

Grounded in Ohio State University’s Shared Values, our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established central resources to focus on offering support to new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual career partner consultation, potential employer and/or employment opportunity identification, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community.  While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are available.  More information about dual career and faculty recruitment can be found here.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies.  Ohio State is a member of the Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania & West Virginia HERC.

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and vibrant metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.  

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. Additionally, there may be further requirements specific to the college or unit, which could include drug and health screenings, as well as faculty misconduct checks depending on the rank of the position.

Location:

Bolz Hall (0146)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.