Director of Aviation Compliance

Lead with purpose. Shape aviation safety. Help make lifesaving missions possible.

As Director of Aviation Compliance at Air Methods, you’ll bring your aviation expertise and leadership to a mission that matters. Overseeing the Operational Control Center and aviation compliance, you’ll help teams navigate complex operational decisions and strengthen the safety, reliability, and readiness behind every flight.

This is an opportunity to turn insight into action—anticipating risks, solving operational challenges, and driving improvements across flight operations. You’ll champion a Just Culture that encourages learning and accountability, advance the Safety Management System, and collaborate with operational leaders, regulators, and industry partners to strengthen how we operate.

For an experienced aviation leader who thrives on responsibility, collaboration, and meaningful challenges, this role offers the opportunity to develop people, influence critical decisions, and make a lasting impact on the crews and communities we serve.

This job is located at Denver HQ and in office.

The Director of Aviation Compliance oversees the Operational Control Center and ensures compliance with the applicable Code of Federal Regulations. Additionally, this role supports the flight operations group by promotion of a just culture, advancing utilization of the SMS, assisting in training standardization, supports the Emergency Operations center and accident investigations as directed by the SVP of Flight Operations or the Director of Operations, communicates with the FAA on an ongoing basis, and monitors risk and identifies solutions for compliance and safety gaps provide the utmost reliability and safety for Air Methods Flight Operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities include the following:  

• Provides oversight of the Operational Control Center (OCC) to assure flight operations achieves Air Methods goals and objectives associated with operational safety, security, reliability, efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Responsible for Aviation compliance including all monitoring information, base and pilot risk determination and auditing.
• Ensures that operations are conducted in accordance with the conditions and restrictions of the Air Carrier Certificate and in compliance with applicable regulations and Air Methods standards.
• Champions safety through the promotion of a Just Culture
• Ensures that processes needed for the SMS are established, implemented and maintained in flight operations.
• Implements programs that assure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, international standards and Air Methods policies and procedures.
• Provides specific knowledge of industry operational and safety matters to support other Air Methods departments.
• Participates in organizational meetings and continuing education programs, maintaining close liaison with the FAA, NTSB and industry organizations and associations.
• Continuously analyses current work flows and processes and implements process improvement plans.
• Supports staffing the Emergency Operations Center when activated
• Ensures that audits of the operations department are conducted and documented on all identified hazards to determine if the assessed risk remains acceptable and that mitigation measures, if any, remain effective.
• Assist in investigating and identifying the root cause of safety-related occurrences, incidents and accidents for flight operations.
• Effectively represent Air Methods interests and support Air Methods Strategic Plan to industry organizations and government regulators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Requirements

• Regular scheduled attendance
• Indicate the percentage of time spent traveling

Subject to applicable laws and Air Method’s policies, regular attendance is an essential function of the position. All employees must follow Air Methods’ employment practices and policies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises employees in the Operation Control Center department. Carries out Supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, hiring, and training employees, planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints and resolving problems. For Exempt Managers:  Managers that carry out these responsibilities for two or more employees will have significant input in hiring and termination decisions.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In accordance with applicable laws, Air Methods will provide reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue burden so disabled employees may perform the essential functions of the position.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor degree from four-year college or university in an Aviation related field; and ten to twelve years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Three years of experience, within the last six years, as a pilot-in command in a Part 135 or 121 operation
• Extensive knowledge of FARS and NTSB
• Master’s Degree in Business (MBA) preferred or equivalent
• Experience in air medical transportation services preferred

Skills

• Demonstrates high critical thinking, reasoning skills, problem solving skills and strong attention to detail while working in a fast-paced environment that requires ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize and multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of collaboration at all levels
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships internally and externally
• Demonstrated Leadership

Computer Skills

• Advanced with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must hold an FAA or ICAO Commercial/Instrument (Rotorcraft or Airplane) certificate

Air Methods is an EEO/AA employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

For more information on our industry-leading benefits, please visit our benefits page here.