Position Summary

The Senior Director of Academy Services is a strategic leadership position responsible for overseeing multiple critical operational areas within the flight school, including Student Services, Facilities, Security and Marketing & Communications. This role ensures an exceptional student experience while maintaining safe, secure, and well-maintained facilities, and effective marketing and communications strategies to support enrollment and brand reputation. The position requires a dynamic leader who can integrate student support services, facility operations, security protocols, and marketing initiatives to advance the schools mission and growth objectives.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Lead and integrate student services, facilities management, security operations, and marketing/communications functions
• Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance student recruitment, retention, and engagement
• Oversee facility maintenance, safety compliance, and capital improvement projects
• Establish and maintain comprehensive security protocols and partner with the Director Safety regarding emergency response procedures
• Direct marketing campaigns, brand management, and internal/external communications
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation across all functional areas
• Build and mentor high-performing teams across diverse operational functions
• Ensure compliance with aviation training regulations and accreditation standards
• Collaborate with academy leadership to align support services with educational objectives

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead department directors and managers across student services, facilities, security, and marketing functions
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance management for direct reports
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings to ensure alignment and accountability

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, and metrics aligned with academy objectives
• Monitor performance against targets and implement corrective actions as needed
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that require coordination across multiple departments
• Present regular updates to executive leadership on operational performance and strategic initiatives

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual budgets across all functional areas
• Allocate resources effectively to maximize operational efficiency and student outcomes
• Approve expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility across departments

Policy Development & Compliance

• Establish and enforce policies and procedures across all functional areas
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including FAA requirements
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of operational effectiveness
• Prepare for regulatory inspections
• Maintain Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education licensing

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary liaison between operational functions and academic leadership
• Build relationships with external partners, vendors, and regulatory agencies
• Address escalated student, and staff concerns with professionalism
• Represent the academy at industry conferences and community events

Duties/Responsibilities

• Projects a positive image of United Aviate Academy to employees, customers, industry, and community.

• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, student services, or related fields
• 5+ years of senior management experience with multi-functional team oversight
• Demonstrated expertise in recruitment/admissions, student services, facilities management, security operations, and/or marketing/communications
• Proven track record of strategic planning and budget management
• Strong knowledge of safety and security regulations, preferably in aviation settings
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Experience That Would Propel Success in This Role

Aviation & Training Industry Expertise

• Experience in aviation, higher education, or training environments strongly preferred
• Direct experience in Part 141 Flight School
• Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation safety management systems (SMS)
• Background in collegiate aviation programs or professional pilot training

Student Services & Enrollment Management

• Track record of improving student retention rates and satisfaction scores
• Experience with student lifecycle management from recruitment through graduation
• Familiarity with career services and job placement for aviation graduates

Facilities & Operations Leadership

• Experience with capital projects and facility expansion and improvement initiatives

Security & Risk Management

• Key responsibility is leading the Security Manager on campus initiatives related to deterrence, emergency response, and building positive relationships with the campus community
• Crisis management and emergency response planning experience

Marketing & Communications Excellence

• Digital marketing expertise with demonstrated ROI in student recruitment
• Brand management experience in competitive education or aviation markets
• Social media strategy and content development for technical/professional audiences

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Proven ability to integrate diverse operational functions into cohesive strategies
• Change management experience in complex organizational environments
• Success building collaborative relationships with academic and operational stakeholders

Education

• Bachelors degree required or equivalent work experience; Masters degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, Aviation Management, or related field preferred

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Behaviors

• Proven problem-solving and information analysis skills.
• Independent decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organizational skills, valuing compliance & ethical behavior, and adhering to company policies.
• Must have good people and customer service experience skills.
• Must have exceptional written and oral communication skills and be able to interact with a wide variety of people.
• Positive attitude, with a willingness to learn new responsibilities, adapt to change, collaborate as a team-player, and has a passion for continuous improvement.
• Strongly motivated with excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• High degree of interpersonal skill and tact to establish and maintain effective working professional relationships.
• Strongly service oriented with a professional mentality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• Commitment to the company culture as a subsidiary of United Airlines and valuing Core4.