Boston MedFlight
Chief Aviation Officer
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Bedford, MA, US
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- C level
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or relevant equivalent experience
- 10+ years of aviation leadership experience preferably in air medical transport.
- 5+ years in senior or executive aviation leadership with direct supervisory experience.
- Valid FAA Airframe & Powerplant or Commercial Pilot Certificate (Rotorcraft/Helicopter – Instrument). This is a non-flying position; current medical certificate and currency are not required.
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as an A&P or PIC for an HAA organization
- Proven ability to develop, implement, and continuously improve aviation policies and procedures.
- Strong interpersonal, listening, writing, and public speaking skills, with the ability to work independently and lead cross-functionally.
- Demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving, and team-building ability
- Working knowledge of aviation regulations, policies, best practices.
- Demonstrated financial and budget management expertise.
- Willingness to travel as needed for organizational representation and meetings.
- Must have reliable weekday scheduling capability.
Nice to have
- Advanced degree in aviation, business administration, or a related field
- Experience in stand-alone / non-vendor, multi-base air medical operations
- Familiarity with CAMTS accreditation standards and the healthcare/EMS regulatory environment
- Prior experience as or working directly with a Part 119 management position such as a DO, DOM, or CP under Part 135
- Experience developing aviation leaders and succession plans
Full description
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Aviation Officer (CAO) provides collaborative strategic leadership and executive oversight of Boston MedFlight’s aviation business unit which includes flight operations, maintenance, and aviation safety. The CAO ensures the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of aviation operations and respects and preserves the regulatory, airworthiness, and operational authority of the Director of Aviation Operations (DO), Director of Maintenance (DOM) and Chief Pilot (CP) while aligning performance with the organization’s mission and goals.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain the highest standards of safety, performance, and compliance for Boston MedFlight's aviation business unit under applicable FAA regulations and CAMTS accreditation standards.
- Oversee the Director of Aviation Operations, Director of Aviation Maintenance, and Aviation Safety Manager, ensuring coordinated and safe aviation operations. The Director of Aviation Safety maintains a direct line of communication to the CEO as Accountable Executive.
- Ensure aviation departments have the resources and support necessary to maintain required documentation and records in accordance with regulations, accreditation standards, manufacturers, and organizational requirements.
- Support aviation quality functions, including internal compliance audits, corrective action tracking, and oversight of safety data programs (FOQA, ASAP, MSAP).
- Maintain executive oversight of flight operations and maintenance quality programs and ensure significant findings, trends, and resource needs are communicated to the senior leadership team.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and participate in strategic planning discussions and initiatives.
- Serve as a key aviation advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees, contributing aviation expertise to strategic decision-making, industry partnerships, fleet planning initiatives, and presentations to the Board on business unit updates, key aviation initiatives, and challenges.
- Represent Boston MedFlight in matters related to aviation with consortium and community hospitals, trade organizations, the FAA, state or municipal aviation bodies, airport management, community organizations, and contract agencies.
- Develop and manage aircraft fleet replacement strategy and capital expenditures, including ongoing assessment of fleet size, type, and equipment against patient care requirements and suitability.
- In coordination with finance, prepare and manage the annual aviation budget, including forecasting expenses and capital needs.
- Authorize expenditures within defined organizational limits.
- Monitor the aviation budget and provide variance analysis with recommendations.