Job Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic, mission-driven Program Director to lead our Aviation Christian Teen Mentorship Program. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a program that combines hands-on aviation experiences with Christian-based mentorship to inspire and equip teens with both technical skills and spiritual growth. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth ministry, aviation, and fostering personal development in young people.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Development & Management
- Program Implementation: Oversee all aspects of the mentorship program, including schedules, activities, and special events.
- Quality Assurance: Continuously evaluate program effectiveness, gather feedback, and refine curriculum to meet the needs of participating teens.
- Youth Mentorship & Spiritual Guidance
- Biblical Teaching: Incorporate biblical teachings, devotions, and faith-based discussions into program activities.
- Mentor Coordination: Recruit, train, and support volunteer mentors, ensuring they are equipped to guide and counsel teens in both faith and aviation-related topics.
- Relationship Building: Establish trust with students and their families, providing spiritual encouragement, prayer support, and guidance.
- Aviation Partnerships & Collaboration
- Flight School & Industry Coordination: Work with the aviation director to arrange flight lessons, simulator sessions, and guest speaking opportunities.
- Community Outreach: Develop relationships with churches, schools, and community organizations to promote the program and recruit students.
- Industry Connections: Foster partnerships with aviation-related sponsors, nonprofits, and organizations that can enhance program offerings.
- Safety & Compliance
- Regulatory Adherence: Ensure that all activities adhere to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
- Risk Management: Develop and maintain safety protocols, emergency procedures, and liability waivers to prioritize participant well-being.
- Equipment Management: Oversee the maintenance and safe use of any program-owned equipment, supplies, or aircraft (if applicable).
- Administrative & Financial Oversight
- Budget Management: Develop and manage the program’s budget, including fundraising strategies, grants, and donor relationships.
- Reporting: Track and report program metrics, participant progress, and financial performance to leadership and stakeholders.
- Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of student participation, flight hours, mentor assignments, and financial expenditures.
- Team Leadership
- Staff & Volunteer Oversight: Supervise any support staff, interns, or volunteers assisting with the program, providing clear direction and support.
- Training & Development: Provide ongoing training opportunities to enhance the team’s skills in youth mentorship, aviation education, and spiritual leadership.
- Culture & Community: Foster a positive, Christ-centered team culture that emphasizes service, respect, and shared vision.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Ministry, Aviation Management, or a related field
( preferred but not required).
- Aviation background: flight experience, pilot’s license, or significant exposure to aviation training preferred.
- Proven track record (3+ years) in Christian youth leadership or ministry roles.
- Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate educational or mentorship programs.
Skills & Competencies
- Faith & Character: Deep personal commitment to Christian faith and values, with a passion for discipleship and service.
- Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to inspire and guide teens, volunteers, and staff in both aviation, career, and spiritual development.
- Organizational Skills: Strong project management, multitasking, and attention to detail.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for leading lessons, engaging partners, and reporting outcomes.
- Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with flight instructors, church leaders, volunteers, and community organizations.
- Safety Mindset: Familiarity with aviation safety standards and willingness to uphold all compliance regulations.
Personal Attributes
- Servant Leadership: Demonstrates humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to see others grow.
- Passionate & Motivational: Enthusiastic about aviation and youth ministry, able to inspire and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Integrity & Dependability: Maintains high ethical standards, confidentiality, and accountability in all duties.
- Adaptability: Comfortable in a dynamic environment, adjusting to changes in schedules or program needs.
Impact
A successful Program Director in an Aviation Christian Teen Mentorship Program should create a lasting, positive impact on all aspects of the initiative—from the teens involved and mentors supporting them, to the aviation community and broader ministry reach. Below are key areas of impact the Program Director should strive to achieve:
- Spiritual Growth and Transformation
- Faith Development: Foster an environment where teens can explore and deepen their Christian faith, integrating biblical principles into aviation training and mentorship sessions.
- Values Alignment: Ensure that the program’s structure and content consistently reflect Christian values, modeling Christ-like servant leadership for both mentors and participants.
- Community Building: Cultivate a supportive spiritual community among teens, encouraging mutual growth, accountability, and lifelong discipleship.
- Aviation Skills and Career Exploration
- Technical Proficiency: Inspire students to develop foundational aviation skills through structured lessons, hands-on practice, and industry exposure.
- Career Pathways: Provide teens with insights into various aviation-related careers—piloting, engineering, air traffic control, maintenance, etc.—and guide them in pursuing further training or education.
- Safety Mindset: Instill rigorous safety standards and respect for aviation protocols to set students up for success and responsibility in the aviation field.
- Holistic Youth Development
- Character Formation: Promote leadership traits such as discipline, responsibility, teamwork, and resilience, equipping teens with tools to thrive in all areas of life.
- Mentoring Relationships: Ensure mentors build authentic, positive relationships that offer emotional support, spiritual guidance, and encouragement for personal growth.
- Life Skills Acquisition: Teach practical life skills—time management, goal setting, communication—that serve teens both within aviation and beyond.
- Program Excellence and Sustainability
- Quality Programming: Continuously refine curriculum, mentorship strategies, and hands-on experiences to meet the evolving needs of teen participants.
- Resource Stewardship: Manage budgets, fundraising, and partnerships responsibly, ensuring the program remains financially sound and ethically administered.
- Safety and Compliance: Maintain adherence to FAA regulations, insurance protocols, and relevant organizational policies, protecting the well-being of all involved.
- Community and Industry Engagement
- Partnership Expansion: Forge relationships with flight schools, aviation businesses, churches, and other community organizations, increasing opportunities for participants.
- Outreach and Visibility: Raise awareness of the program’s mission and successes, attracting new donors, mentors, and students.
- Reputation Building: Establish the program as a reputable, faith-based aviation mentorship model within both local and wider aviation communities.
- Long-Term Impact on Participants
- Sense of Purpose: Help teens discover and embrace their God-given talents and calling, whether in aviation or another field.
- Alumni Engagement: Foster ongoing connections with program graduates, encouraging them to return as mentors or supporters and continue impacting the next generation.
- Leadership Development: Shape future community leaders and aviation enthusiasts who lead with integrity and Christian compassion.
Overall, the Program Director should be a catalyst for spiritual enrichment, technical excellence, and life-changing mentorship, setting teens on a trajectory for success not only in aviation but in their personal faith journey and future endeavors. Through effective leadership, stewardship, and a genuine heart for youth, the Program Director can ensure that the program’s influence extends well beyond the cockpit—transforming lives, strengthening communities, and glorifying God in the process.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Benefits: Paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
- Growth & Ministry Opportunities: Expand your impact by shaping the next generation of Christian pilots and leaders.