Deputy Academy Program Manager

About FlightSafety International

FlightSafety International is the world’s premier professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems and displays to commercial, government and military organizations. The company provides training for pilots, technicians and other aviation professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. FlightSafety operates the world’s largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators and award-winning maintenance training at Learning Centers and training locations in the United States, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Job Title:                                Deputy Academy Program Manager

Location:                                Oklahoma City, OK

Position contingent upon award of contract

Position Purpose:

The Deputy Academy Program Manager provides daily operational leadership for all contract personnel supporting training delivery at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Operating at a Director level, this role ensures high-quality execution of training services, alignment with FAA requirements, and consistent operational performance within a large, complex training environment. This individual works in close partnership with the Program Manager, to implement Academy-wide training strategies, manage workforce and operational performance, support customer relationships, and ensure compliance with all contract obligations. 

Essential Functions, Responsibilities, and Authorities:

• Oversee and direct daily operational activities for all contract personnel delivering training at the FAA Academy.
• Ensure training delivery is executed consistently and aligns with FAA standards, curriculum requirements, and operational procedures.
• Monitor scheduling, resource allocation, throughput, and instructor utilization to meet student demand and service-level expectations.
• Support curriculum implementation, instructional methodology updates, and integration of modern training technologies.
• Assist the Program Manager in executing program strategy, operational plans, and enterprise performance objectives.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Academy policies, contract requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Lead risk mitigation, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives related to Academy operations.
• Support governance, reporting, audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Maintain strong working relationships with FAA Academy leadership, division managers, and instructional departments.
• Serve as the primary interface between Academy leadership and program leadership for operational updates and issue escalation.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support for Academy instructional and administrative supervisors.
• Ensure proper onboarding, performance management, and professional development processes for Academy personnel.
• Support succession planning and long-term workforce development initiatives.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with union representatives.
• Understand and apply collective bargaining agreement (CBA) requirements relevant to Academy operations.
• Ensure alignment with labor–management expectations and support resolution of union-related issues.
• Support budget execution, resource planning, and operational forecasting for Academy operations.
• Participate in strategic initiatives to enhance instructional quality, efficiency, and modernization.
• Travel as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business management or a comparably relevant field from an accredited institution, in addition to what is listed below. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, at least 15 years of relevant management and administration experience.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in the management and administration of efforts comparable to those under this contract. Prior management experience in an Air Traffic Control facility or comparable experience relevant to the management of this effort.
• Demonstrated experience managing a program or organization of similar size, scope, and complexity to that anticipated under this contract.
• Experience working with union-represented workforces and managing labor–management relationships desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• PMP certification desired.
• Fluent in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent organization and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and/or pivot tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to interact professionally with various levels of management in a matrixed environment
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and high-pressure situations
• Knowledge of management principles and their applications
• Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight timelines and provide status updates, including course redirection, along the way
• Demonstrated agent of change, and skilled at balancing functional/departmental initiatives in tandem with organizational objectives
• Solid knowledge of military standards and specification practices
• Fundamental understanding of earned value management system principles, procedures and practices
• Experience in training leadership positions
• Experience in leading large functional staffs
• Experience in writing training doctrine and strategy
• Experience in joint training operations to include multi-national
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite or related software, in particular Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project

FlightSafety is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of required compliance reviews, including verification that the candidate is not prohibited from employment under U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

This position may require access to export-controlled technology or services subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employment consideration and any offer of employment are contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with these requirements, including qualifying as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or otherwise eligible for export authorization within a timeframe consistent with business needs. A “U.S. Person” includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (holders of approved and unexpired green cards), and certain refugees or asylees with protected status under U.S. law.

This position may also require eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance for the duration of employment.

Cybersecurity Notice: All official recruiting communication from FlightSafety International will come from an @flightsafety.com email address.  FlightSafety International will never ask for personal or financial information through social media or third-party email providers.