Manager of Operations; Special Assistant to the SVP and COO

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

1d

About The Position

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 not 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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• 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!
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive