Program Assistant, Cadet Aviation

Job Title: Program Assistant, Cadet Aviation

Department: Cadet Programs

Location: Maxwell AFB, AL

Reports To: Senior Program Manager, Cadet Aviation

Position Type: Full Time

Typical Hours: 40 Hours / Week

Required Travel: Yes, <=10%

Contractor: No

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Remote Work Eligible: Yes

Closing Date: 16 November 2026

Join a mission-driven organization that supports Civil Air Patrol’s nationwide Cadet Programs! We’re seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and creative Program Assistant to support its national cadet aviation programs. This position plays an essential role in the administration and coordination of aviation programs, flight training initiatives, National Flight Academies, orientation flights, and other youth aviation opportunities.

Responsibilities include application and enrollment administration, flight training coordination, contract processing, program monitoring, stakeholder communications, and reporting. The successful candidate will work closely with program leadership, national volunteer staff, flight training providers, and external partners to support the effective execution of aviation programs nationwide. The ideal candidate is a motivated problem-solver with strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a positive, can-do attitude.

This position requires independent initiative, exceptional customer service, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Salary Range: $50,000 -$62,000 (annually), based on experience and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

• Program Administration and Enrollment
• Coordinate application, selection, enrollment, and onboarding processes for national aviation programs.
• Assist with informational webinars, participant orientations, and program communications.
• Flight Training and Program Coordination
• Monitor cadet flight training progress, established milestones, and program timelines.
• Identify training delays, documentation concerns, and other challenges requiring follow-up or management intervention.
• Contracts and Vendor Coordination
• Coordinate outreach and administrative requirements with flight schools/flight training providers, and other aviation vendors.
• Collaborate with CAP Contracting, Finance, and program management to facilitate timely contract execution.
• Project Management and Administrative Support
• Apply project management principles to support program planning, scheduling, milestone tracking, and implementation.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve workflows, and increase operational efficiency.
• Communications, Customer Service, and Reporting
• Provide professional and responsive customer service to cadets, parents, volunteers, instructors, and external partners.
• Draft and distribute program announcements, newsletters, informational resources, and stakeholder communications.
• Collect, organize, and validate program data; prepare reports, presentations, and performance summaries.

What We’re Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in aviation, business administration, project management, communications, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of relevant experience in program administration, project coordination, or a related field.
• General aviation-related experience or education required.
• Familiarity with project management principles, including scheduling, milestone tracking, and stakeholder coordination.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and related programs, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerBI, PowerPoint, and Canva.
• Experience with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and cloud-based collaboration platforms.
• Excellent organizational, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage competing priorities, and demonstrate a proactive, can-do attitude.
• Familiarity with FAA Part 61 and Part 141 flight training preferred.
• Experience with aviation programs, flight schools, vendor contracts, or nonprofit organizations preferred.
• Formal project management training or certification preferred.
• Experience with Power BI, Canva, and program management systems preferred.
• Familiarity with Civil Air Patrol and volunteer organizations preferred.
• FAA pilot certification preferred.
• Certifications: None
• Other: Valid driver’s license; ability to pass a comprehensive background check.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Impact a national organization dedicated to serving our communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
• Experience a workplace defined by high morale and genuine enthusiasm.
• 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.

Discover Montgomery, Alabama

• Montgomery isn’t just the capital of Alabama—it’s a city rich in history and full of modern charm. Here’s why you’ll love living and working here:
• Affordable Living: Cost of living is about 12–14% lower than the national average, with housing costs nearly 25% lower than average.
• Historic & Cultural Significance: Walk in the footsteps of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at civil rights landmarks, museums, and memorials.
• Thriving Downtown: A revitalized riverfront district with trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and arts venues like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.
• Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy scenic views along the Alabama River, Riverfront Park, and nearby hiking trails.
• Education & Community: Home to top colleges like Auburn University at Montgomery and Alabama State University, plus a strong sense of Southern hospitality.
• Central Location: Easy access to Birmingham, Atlanta, and Gulf Coast beaches for weekend getaways.
• Montgomery blends Southern charm, cultural depth, and affordability, making it an ideal place to build your career and enjoy life.

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.

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.

To apply, submit a detailed resume. This position does not offer a relocation package. Salary range: $50,000 - $62,000. Closing date: 16 November 2026.