Manager of Operations; Special Assistant to the SVP and COO

Embry-Riddle: Celebrating 100 Years of Leadership in Aviation and Aerospace

As Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marks its Centennial, we proudly celebrate 100 years of advancing the future of flight and aerospace education. With vibrant residential campuses in Daytona Beach, FL, and Prescott, AZ - and a Worldwide network spanning nearly 120 global locations - Embry-Riddle stands as the world's largest aviation and aerospace university.

For a century, we have led innovation in STEM education, serving more than 30,000 students around the globe. Our cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space empower the next generation of leaders to shape the future of flight, exploration, and discovery.

As we launch our next century, we remain committed to excellence, innovation, and preparing graduates who will transform industries and redefine what is possible.

The Opportunity

University Administration seeks a highly polished, strategic, and execution-focused professional to serve as Manager of Operations & Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (SVP & COO).

This isnota traditional administrative position. This role operates as an extension of the SVP's executive office, driving operational excellence, managing high-level institutional initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards of precision, professionalism, and follow-through.

The individual in this role will function as a trusted strategic partner to the SVP, overseeing executive-level operations, leading project coordination efforts, and producing refined, executive-ready materials for internal leadership, external business partners, regulatory bodies, and government agencies.

The ideal candidate demonstrates executive presence, exceptional judgment, rigorous attention to detail, and the ability to operate confidently in high-level environments requiring discretion, authority, and strategic thinking.

What You'll Do (Summary)

• Serve as a strategic extension of the SVP & COO's office
• Lead executive-level project management and cross-functional coordination
• Develop highly polished presentations, reports, proposals, and briefing materials for senior leaders, business partners, and government entities
• Synthesize complex information into concise, actionable executive summaries
• Anticipate operational needs and mitigate risk before issues arise
• Represent the SVP in select meetings and strategic interactions
• Ensure operational follow-through across multiple high-visibility initiatives
• Maintain absolute discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Office Leadership & Operations

• Oversee operational, administrative, and financial functions of the SVP's office with precision and accountability.
• Align executive priorities with institutional strategy and ensure disciplined execution.
• Triage complex issues, assess urgency, and determine appropriate course of action.
• Develop executive briefing documents, decision memoranda, and high-level summaries to support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain rigorous quality control standards across all outgoing communications and deliverables.
• Provide comprehensive executive administrative support to the SVP & COO, including strategic calendar management and prioritization, coordination of complex internal and external meetings, preparation of agendas and briefing materials, oversight of travel arrangements and itineraries, management of expense reporting and approvals, and ensuring seamless day-to-day office operations. Exercise sound judgment in managing competing demands, safeguarding executive time, and maintaining efficiency across all engagements.

Strategic Project Management & Institutional Initiatives

• Lead and track high-priority cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the SVP & COO.
• Establish timelines, accountability structures, and performance checkpoints to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate across departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Monitor risks, dependencies, and stakeholder implications with proactive mitigation strategies.
• Ensure consistent executive follow-through on strategic commitments.

Executive Communications & External Engagement

• Serve as a primary liaison between the SVP, senior leadership, internal teams, external business partners, and government agencies.
• Draft and refine high-level correspondence, formal communications, and strategic messaging.
• Develop professional-grade materials suitable for board presentations, regulatory submissions, and external stakeholder engagement.
• Represent the SVP in meetings and communications when appropriate, exercising sound judgment and authority.

Executive Presentations & Professional Materials

• Develop executive-ready PowerPoint presentations, reports, briefing books, and stakeholder materials with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ensure all documents reflect strategic clarity, institutional alignment, and professional polish.
• Synthesize complex data into clear visual and written formats appropriate for external and governmental audiences.

Research, Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct research and analyze institutional data to support executive initiatives and strategic planning.
• Prepare analytical summaries and decision-support documents.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and professionalism in all reporting outputs.

Confidential Strategic Support

• Manage highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Provide strategic insight and foresight on emerging issues and stakeholder considerations.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle!

• 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 an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.
• Generous Time Off: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.

• Operates as a strategic executor, not a task-based administrator
• Demonstrates exceptional project management discipline and follow-through
• Maintains the highest attention to detail in all written and visual materials
• Produces professional deliverables suitable for senior executives, business partners, and regulatory agencies
• Exercises strong judgment in prioritizing complex and competing demands
• Anticipates needs before they are expressed
• Engages confidently with senior leaders and external stakeholders
• Maintains composure, discretion, and authority in high-visibility environments

Required Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5-10 years of progressive executive-level operations, project management, or strategic support experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting senior executive leadership (SVP-level or above preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and executive reporting tools
• Demonstrated experience developing executive-ready presentations and formal external communications
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving ability
• High emotional intelligence and executive maturity
• Ability to operate independently with minimal oversight

Application process/requirements

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311113. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include:

• Cover letter

• Full Resume

• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process)

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday.

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions - including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment - based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website.

Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact eraujobs@erau.edu and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.