Executive Director of Professional Education

The Opportunity

The Executive Director of Professional Education serves as the visionary architect and operational driver of EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University's expanding portfolio of professional, executive, and corporate education programs. This high-impact role is designed for a bold, entrepreneurial leader who thrives on innovation, cross-sector partnerships, and global opportunity. The Executive Director will be charged with transforming EmbryRiddle's professional education enterprise into a powerhouse of industry-aligned, revenue-generating programs that shape the future of aviation, aerospace, defense, and other high-demand sectors. Reporting to senior university leadership, the Executive Director will craft and execute a dynamic, forward-thinking strategy that expands the university's global footprint through custom corporate training, stackable credentials, and cutting-edge executive development experiences. This leader will forge new partnerships across industries and borders, introduce scalable program models, and identify untapped markets that align with EmbryRiddle's core competencies and strategic priorities. This is more than a program management role-it's a chance to lead a next-generation education platform that connects world-class faculty and facilities with the evolving needs of employers and professionals around the world.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Strategic Program Development & Leadership: Develop and execute an ambitious growth strategy for certificate programs (e.g., Airport Planning, Aviation Risk Management, Uncrewed Systems), global executive workshops, and high-touch live-ground schools. Launch innovative new formats, including microcredentials, digital badges, and on-demand learning paths tailored to industry certification and career advancement.
• Market Development & Strategic Partnerships Conduct rigorous market analysis to identify emerging areas of opportunity (e.g., cybersecurity, space operations, aviation sustainability, data science, electric propulsion). Forge strategic alliances with multinational corporations, government agencies, military partners, and industry associations for customized, contract-based learning engagements.
• Revenue Growth & Operational Excellence Oversee financial modeling, budgeting, pricing strategy, and P&L for all programs, driving both access and profitability. Establish metrics for program ROI, learner success, and operational performance to ensure accountability and strategic reinvestment.
• Curriculum & Faculty Innovation Lead the recruitment, training, and deployment of a global instructional network of 2,500+ subject matter experts, scholars, and seasoned professionals. Ensure program excellence and instructional integrity across all modalities: in-person intensives, live-virtual classrooms, asynchronous eLearning, and hybrid delivery.
• Collaborate with academic colleges, compliance offices, and industry boards to align offerings with licensure, regulatory, and accreditation standards. Manage CEU frameworks, audit-ready quality assurance processes, and program impact evaluation strategies.
• Leadership & Team Empowerment Inspire and lead a high-performing team of program managers, enrollment specialists, instructional designers, and marketing professionals. Foster a culture of agility, creativity, and purpose-driven execution through coaching, professional development, and shared success metrics.

Application packet must include:

a) A detailed letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the position

b) Current resume or curriculum vitae

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by August 11, 2025.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• Generous Time Off:Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
• Health Benefits:Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health-because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!
• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
• Retirement Contributions:ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution - with no vesting period.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recognizes the value of diversity and is dedicated to fostering a positive climate in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged in their professional, social, and intellectual pursuits. Embry-Riddle is committed to providing equal employment opportunityand affirmative action for qualified individuals. The University does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in professional or corporate education, ideally within aviation, aerospace, defense, or STEM sectors.
• Demonstrated success in designing, launching, and scaling educational programs across multiple modalities and international contexts.
• Proven ability to secure and sustain industry partnerships and enterprise-level training contracts.
• Experience in strategic budgeting, revenue generation, and program marketing. High cultural fluency and experience managing global operations and decentralized delivery models.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• FAA certification or direct experience with aviation safety protocols and regulatory frameworks.
• Deep familiarity with adult learning theory, workforce development strategies, and industry credentialing.
• Technical proficiency in platforms such as EagleVision, Canvas, Salesforce, virtual simulation