Job Title: Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Location: Maxwell AFB, AL (Hybrid/Remote eligible)

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Position Type: Full Time

Typical Hours: 40 Hours / Week

Required Travel: Yes, <=20%

Contractor: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Remote Work Eligible: Yes

Closing Date: 25 May 2026

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide operations! We’re seeking a Director of Operations (DO) to oversee the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) in the operational execution of flight operations, emergency services and mission areas, which are focused on flight management, mission readiness, search and rescue, disaster response, homeland security, homeland defense, drug interdiction, special missions, small unmanned aerial systems, geospatial, and communications. This role directs the training and evaluation, and compliance of these programs. Oversight includes managing the operations budget to support missions, training funded by the United States Air Force (USAF), and training for national, state, and local agencies and organizations. Additionally, the Director supervises the CAP National Operations Center (NOC) and performs other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $135,000 – $150,000 (annually), based on experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

Lead operational programs designed for execution within a large, geographically distributed, volunteer‑enabled organization, balancing standardization with flexibility.
Direct the Operations team in overseeing daily execution of CAP’s operations portfolio, ensuring strict compliance with CAP operational regulations and policies (including CAPR 70 series) and applicable interagency standards.
Evaluate and sponsor operational, emergency services, and mission programs that align with the strategic plan and oversee development of program goals and priorities for new mission sets.
Support the Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs Directorates in managing applicable programs and initiative funding for programmatic impact. This includes providing operational oversight and ensuring compliance with mission requirements for mission-numbered activities (e.g., National Flight Academies, Hawk Mountain Search and Rescue, National Emergency Services Academy), while remaining heavily engaged in planning, coordination, and risk management without assuming day-to-day event execution.
Serve as a liaison between the organization and federal, state, and local agencies and other relevant entities for operational missions.
Coordinate and communicate appropriate agreements with federal agencies and partner organizations supporting operational missions; maintain relationships with agency and partner counterparts.
Oversee the development of the national‑level annual training and flying plan for input and approval by the National Commander; oversee implementation at the national level; assist CAP wings and regions in developing and implementing their training and flying plans.
Determine mission requirements and develop and implement Tables of Allowances (TOAs) for aircraft, aircraft add‑ons such as sensors, communications equipment, sUAS, and other mission‑essential tools.
Ensure all operations adhere to environmental, legal, and organizational standards.
Provide leadership and support for CAP’s operational safety culture by working closely with the Safety and Logistics teams to utilize trend analysis, systemic risk identification, and proactive mitigation strategies across flight and ground operations.
Ensure operational programs support continuous compliance, readiness validation, and timely corrective action based on findings from inspections, mishap trends, after‑action reviews, and command‑directed assessments.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversees a team of program managers, specialists, and support staff, providing direction and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Conducts performance evaluations, provides feedback, and implements development plans to enhance individual and team performance.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; master’s degree preferred.
Must have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in mission management, operations leadership, or aviation operations, including experience managing complex, high‑risk operational programs.
Demonstrated senior level experience in aviation operations, flight management, mission execution, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance is required. Experience in CAP, military, government, or equivalent civilian aviation operations is strongly preferred.
Experience managing diverse teams with geographically separated members from varied disciplines and backgrounds, as well as experience managing volunteers, is desired.
CAP or equivalent mission‑oriented aircrew experience is strongly preferred, particularly for roles involving oversight of flight operations and mission execution.
National Incident Management System experience desired.
Experience overseeing programs governed by formal regulatory frameworks and federally appropriated funds, including familiarity with 2 CFR Part 200 and audit/compliance expectations.
Travel required, sometimes at short notice.
Background Check: The successful completion of a comprehensive background check is mandatory for this role. This is a critical component of our child protection policy and our commitment to providing a safe environment for minors.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Impact a national organization dedicated to serving our communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Enjoy flexibility with hybrid/remote work eligibility.
Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Health and dependent care.
Retirement Savings: 401(k) with employer match.
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick and personal leave, and holidays.
Professional Development: Training programs and certification support.
Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage.
Supplemental Insurance: Disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity.
Flexible Work Options: Hybrid/remote work eligibility and family-friendly policies.

Why Work for Civil Air Patrol

At Civil Air Patrol (CAP), you are joining a mission-driven national organization working to save lives, strengthen communities, and shape the next generation of leaders. As the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP blends the purpose of public service with the innovation and agility of a modern nonprofit. Every role contributes directly to meaningful service in America’s communities.

Our people advance youth development, aerospace education, and provide trusted emergency response mission support for military, civil, and government agencies. Working at CAP means collaborating with passionate professionals and skilled volunteers across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and more than 1,400 communities.

We offer an environment where your work makes a visible impact. Employees support first responders after natural disasters, contribute to Air Force-assigned missions, and empower thousands of cadets nationwide. You will be part of a team committed to service, innovation, and continuous learning, with opportunities to grow your career while supporting critical community and national needs.

If you want a career with purpose, teamwork, and the chance to make a difference every day, Civil Air Patrol is where your work truly matters.

To apply, submit a detailed resume via email to employment@capnhq.gov . This position does not offer a relocation package. Salary range: $135,000 - $150,000. Closing date: 25 May 2026.

Civil Air Patrol

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