Dir., High School Outreach

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of High School Outreach will lead promotion, school recruitment, and expanded use of the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum. This role involves building strong relationships with Career and Technical Education leaders, high school teachers and administrators, educational organizations, state agencies, and community stakeholders to increase program adoption and student participation. The Director will oversee outreach efforts nationwide, leading new and existing high school aviation programs to adopt the curriculum and maintain and grow their programs. In this role, the Director is responsible for representing the AOPA Foundation in meetings and at events, workshops, industry groups, and conferences.

The AOPA Foundation’s High School Aviation Initiative consists of aviation pathways for students in grades 9-12 with full developed year-long courses (a Career and Technical Education pathway) and provides associated teaching materials delivered through a digital platform to classroom teachers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Director of High School Outreach will perform a wide range of tasks designed to support the continued growth and smooth operation of the High School Aviation Initiative.

Identify, recruit, and serve high schools nationwide using the AOPA Foundation High School Aviation STEM Curriculum (85%)

Proactively identify and recruit high school programs nationwide to use the AOPA Foundation Curriculum.

Expand awareness of the curriculum and guide schools through the vision, planning, adoption, and growth of the program through in-person and electronic meetings, phone calls, email correspondence, and attendance at events as appropriate.

Advocate for the importance of aviation education within the broader career and technical education and STEM education frameworks.

Facilitate relationships with regional, state, and national education, transportation, labor, industry, and other government and non-profit entities that promote aviation and workforce development.

Identify and facilitate opportunities for post-secondary dual-enrollment and articulation agreements, serving as a liaison between stakeholders.

Work closely with supervisors, peers, and other departments to develop material to support recruitment efforts, such as presentations, pamphlets, brochures, and digital media.

Work closely with the High School Operations team to ensure curriculum and teacher professional development content is relevant and meets the needs of teachers, administrators, and students and is aligned to appropriate standards.

Travel as necessary to attend and deliver presentations at meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences in support of and to represent the High School Aviation Initiative.

Support the annual High School Aviation STEM Symposium by collaborating with supervisors, peers, and stakeholders to develop the agenda, secure speakers, and grow attendance, ensuring the content is relevant and timely for an audience of educators and industry.

When necessary, crosswalk curriculum standards to those states and districts to facilitate their adoption of the program.

Managerial Responsibilities (15%)

Leadership and Performance Management:

Partner with supervisor to align team objectives with organizational goals.

Lead annual goal setting process, ensuring goals are documented in HRIS by deadlines.

Guide direct reports through regular one-on-ones and performance reviews; develop plans aligned with organizational needs.

Provide clear communication about role expectations and deliverables.

Address performance issues promptly with proper documentation; escalate to management/HR when necessary.

Identify skills gaps and implement training to close them.

Workforce Planning and Team Management:

Participate in recruiting by reviewing position descriptions, selecting candidates, and conducting interviews.

Develop 12-month onboarding plans for new hires or promotions.

Optimize productivity by managing workloads, schedules, and resources; ensure equitable distribution of work.

Compliance and Policy Enforcement:

Maintain knowledge of organizational policies and employment regulations, ensuring team compliance

Uphold confidentiality and accuracy in all personnel records and actions.

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Education or related field

Deep knowledge of Career and Technical Education and STEM education standards

FAA Pilot Certification

Strong public speaking skills

Experience managing people

Strong time management skills

Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills

Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Classroom teaching experience at the high school level strongly preferred

Current FAA medical certificate preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires some travel, up to 30% of the time, to various general aviation, education, or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit and may include weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.

Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is located at AOPA’s Frederick, MD headquarters.

The salary range for this position is: $95,000 - $115,000, depending on education and experience.

BENEFIT INFORMATION:

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient)

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date

Flexible Spending Plans

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants)

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure)

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date)

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)

Work From Home Fridays

Paid Parental Leave

AOPA Membership

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts)

Gym Reimbursement Program

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity)

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Discount on AOPA swag

Business casual dress code

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa