Senior Director, Academy Services

Requirements

• 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 initiative

Additional Information

Join the team at United Aviate Academy (UAA) and help shape the next generation of aviators through safety, innovation, and excellence. If you're passionate about aviation and ready to make an impact in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply. 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 school's 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

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