Aviation Safety Coordinator

South Dakota State University Aviation seeks an experienced and collaborative safety professional to serve as Aviation Safety Coordinator. As the program’s primary safety leader, this position provides oversight and continuous improvement of the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS), coordinates risk management and safety assurance activities, and promotes FAA-aligned safety practices across all aviation operations. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, and operational personnel, the Aviation Safety Manager fosters a culture of safety, supports regulatory compliance, and advances operational excellence throughout the SDSU Aviation program.

The Aviation Safety Manager reports directly to the Director of the School of Health and Human Sciences and works collaboratively with aviation faculty, staff, and operational personnel to support the safety mission of the SDSU Aviation Program.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Lead, administer, assess, and continuously improve the Aviation Safety Management System (SMS).
• Oversee hazard identification, safety reporting, risk assessment, investigations, audits, and safety assurance activities.
• Monitor and analyze safety performance data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and support operational improvements.
• Promote a proactive, positive safety culture through training, communication, and engagement with students, faculty, staff, and operational personnel.
• Collaborate with aviation and university leadership to support safety initiatives, regulatory compliance, accreditation requirements, and organizational decision-making.
• Serve as the primary aviation safety resource, providing recommendations on risk management, safety performance, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain safety records, reporting systems, documentation, and required program metrics.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, response planning, and safety-related exercises.
• Support accreditation, assessment, quality improvement, recruitment, retention, outreach, and other program initiatives.
• Participate in limited flight‑related activities, including flight instruction, as appropriate to support safety initiatives and maintain operational awareness.
• Serve on university, school, and program committees as assigned.

The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $95,000.

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, paid holidays, and vacation leave. The retirement plan includes a 6% matching contribution, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training and reduced tuition for state-supported courses.

Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, Higher Education, Business Administration or a related field completed by start date.
• Minimum of one year of professional experience in aviation operations, aviation safety, flight training, airport operations, aviation management, or a related aviation field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aviation safety principles, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Current, or ability to obtain, FAA Flight Instructor Certification.
• Experience working within the aviation industry.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students and operational personnel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Master’s degree in Aviation, Aviation Safety, Aviation Management, Higher Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience developing, implementing, or managing a Safety Management System (SMS).
• Experience conducting safety investigations, audits, risk assessments, or safety assurance activities.
• Knowledge of…