Senior Director, Academy Services

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

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

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent work experience; Master’s 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.

EEO Statement: Westwind School of Aeronautics Phoenix, LLC, dba United Aviate Academy (UAA), is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: All employment decisions at UAA are based on business needs. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting job applicants and employees without regard to race, religion or belief, color, national, social or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, genetic information, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identify and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by laws or regulations. Decisions on employment and promotions are based solely upon an individual’s qualifications, with reference to the responsibilities and skills required of the position for which the individual

United Aviate Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and welcome all qualified individuals of different backgrounds.