Overview:    

The Aviation Academy Manager will be responsible for the design and implementation of the museum’s Aviation Academy which cultivates more STEM professionals and builds pathways to propel high school students to take courses in aerospace technologies and pursue degrees and certifications that lead to careers in aviation. 

Qualifications:    

Bachelor’s degree required; master's degree or aviation related certification/license preferred in a STEM-related and/or aviation related discipline and a minimum of 5 years of experience with preferred 2 of the 5 years in a museum or educational setting with an emphasis on STEM education and curriculum development. Must have proven successes in managing large budgets and projects. This position requires a highly organized individual with a commitment to creating partnerships and delivering high quality STEM and Aviation themed programs. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills are required, and the successful candidate must be self-motivated. Must enjoy working with high school students. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time and lift 50 lbs. Must be available to work weekends and 3 weekdays per week. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required. 

Job Responsibilities:    

Recruit and manage a corps of Broward high school interns in aviation-focused real-world projects, utilizing technology in a hands-on approach. 

Build a foundation for learning by encouraging students to find their place in the world of aviation and giving them the tools to get there such as challenging students to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to the process of designing, building, and testing that will align with state and national educational standards. 

Highlight opportunities and careers in the aviation industry by bringing aviation technology speakers and other aviation professionals to the museum. 

Plan and implement field excursions for the aviation academy intern to industry partner locations to build upon the intern’s knowledge of career opportunities. 

Coordinate with the Museum’s Development and Audience Engagement teams to initiate partnerships with educational institutions, schools, other community organizations and/or businesses to create aviation-themed programs and special events that advance the Aviation Academy’s profile and that attract grant funding and/or sponsorship support. 

Work within the museum’s career development department and coordinate with the EcoExplorer Internship program. 

Train staff on new and existing programs and serve as the lead teacher to develop and deliver aviation themed programs and grant funded projects. 

Manage and coach the aviation academy interns to create and deliver aviation-focused programs in The Hangar makerspace, Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab and in the community. 

Coach aviation academy interns to be ready to enter a aviation centered career by building communication, workplace, and life skills. 

Develop partnerships with Broward County Public Schools, local colleges, and other local schools. 

Develop and implement ongoing evaluations of Aviation Academy to ensure the effectiveness of the curriculum. 

Provide support to the Education Department by working on the Museum floor as an facilitator during weekend events, holidays and evening special events and offsite programs as needed. 

Manage the budget and purchase supplies and equipment to conduct all Aviation Academy programs. 

Manage the Aviation Academy program offerings and ensure the programs meet all budget and revenue goals. 

Implement programs within budget cost parameters and participate in the development of the department’s annual operating budget and revenue goals. 

Will assist with other Workforce Development activities as needed. 

Always provide the highest-quality programs and customer service to museum guests. 

Always represent the Museum’s best interest both internally and externally. 

Implement projects and other related duties as assigned and qualified.