Manager of Operations; Special Assistant to 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.

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 is a 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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…