Helena College University of Montana a comprehensive two-year college, provides access to and support of high quality lifelong educational opportunities for our diverse community. Helena College is seeking qualified applicants who wish to become part of a dynamic and creative team for a full-time position as a Director of Aviation Maintenance.

Helena College seeks a full-time Director of Aviation Maintenance, for the Airport Campus, beginning July 1, 2026. 

The Director of the Aviation Maintenance Program is responsible for providing year-round strategic direction, administrative leadership, and operational management for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Helena College. 

Reporting to the Executive Director of Career Technical Education and Dual Enrollment, the Director of Aviation Maintenance ensures that the aviation program remains in compliance with Montana University System policies as well as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and standards. 

In addition, this position supports the growth and success of the program, ensures that aviation program faculty have the resources and equipment needed to provide a quality experience to learners, and analyzes program operations and needs to determine potential enhancements and improvements.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

This position manages the program budget, teaches aviation maintenance courses as needed, and provides direct supervision for Aviation Maintenance full-time faculty and adjunct instructors.

General Administration:

• Officially represent the Aviation Maintenance Department, internally and externally.
• Ensure all accreditation standards are met and maintained.
• Develop, evaluate, and update curriculum to ensure alignment with industry standards and FAA requirements, in coordination with program faculty. Review and revise policy and procedures to meet industry changes and continued adherence within the Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
  • Explore and develop new courses and certificates in consultation with industry, such as avionics.
  • Develop and manage assigned budgets, create a long-term plan for resource needs, and seek/identify sources of funding.
  • Maintain and improve instructional spaces, manage and track college-owned equipment, procure and maintain equipment in coordination with program faculty and following procurement processes.
  • Perform varied administrative duties and necessary, including attending meetings, holding meetings, and interacting with other departments and divisions of the College and community.

Student Interaction:

• Serve as aviation maintenance instructor, as needed.
• Assist with the recruitment of students.
• Evaluates student credit for prior learning.
• Support College advising of Aviation Maintenance students (academic and career advising).
• Serve as point of contact for student inquires and concerns.
• Verify student eligibility for testing/degree/certificates.

Personnel Supervision

• Recruit, orient, guide, assign, and evaluate all Aviation Maintenance personnel.
• Recommend faculty appointments and evaluate all full-time and part-time instructors.
• Compute faculty workload and plan teaching assignments.
• Mediate staff and/or student problems in the program.
• Provide opportunities for professional development, maintain campus affiliations and memberships

Community Outreach and Relations:

• Maintain all correspondence and records required by the FAA.
• Serve as primary contact with business, industry, educational providers, and community agencies; develop new relationships.
• Provide leadership in securing external funding for the Aviation Maintenance program.
• Maintain an active industry advisory board to guide the program.
• Remain current on national trends concerning aviation maintenance programs, build connection with regional programs.
• Work with the Helena Regional Airport to coordinate Helena College airport badges.

This position supervises all Aviation Maintenance personnel. Must work with a high-degree of independence to make decisions, resolve problems, and provide leadership.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Aviation Maintenance or related field of aviation.
• Airframe and Powerplant Certification.
• Five (5) years of related work experience.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills.

Preferred

• Detailed knowledge and understanding of the FAA CFR Part 147.
• Experience and background in avionics.
• Teaching experience.
• Experience administering an academic program.
• Knowledge of budget management.
• Experience managing personnel.

Additional Information

Job Type:                          Contract Professional Full-time

Work Schedule:                 Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Typical work schedule is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday; however, as Director of the program, there will be times the schedule must be adjusted to meet program needs and represent the program at events.  

Bargaining Unit:              None

Benefits:                           Includes a comprehensive group insurance benefits program including medical plan options with prescription drug and dental plan, vision exam coverage, an employee assistance program (EAP), retirement plan, life and disability insurance options, flexible spending and dependent care account options, and optional long-term care insurance. Additional information on benefits can be found by visiting: https://choices.mus.edu/employees.asp

Priority Application Date:  Friday, April 10, 2026 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
2. Detailed Resume listing education and describing work experience
3. Transcript - (Unofficial transcripts acceptable with application)  Official transcripts due upon hire
4. Three (3) professional references - names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer.  UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking.  Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information. 

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.