Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation

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. 

The Opportunity 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation to provide leadership in enterprise reporting, decision analytics, and data-informed planning initiatives that advance Worldwide campus growth and operational effectiveness.

Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, this role serves as a key advisor to senior leadership, delivering actionable insights, risk analysis, and forward-looking recommendations that support strategic decision-making, financial sustainability, and responsible enrollment and program growth. The Senior Director will lead the development and governance of enterprise-wide reporting, ensuring alignment across academic programs, student lifecycle data, and operational functions.

This position offers the opportunity to drive innovation through the use of advanced analytics, business intelligence tools, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Key Job Functions

Strategic Advancement & Sustainability

• Partner with the Chief Business Officer and leadership team to develop, execute, and sustain strategic initiatives

• Serve as a key advisor to leadership, providing data-driven insights to improve operations and services

• Lead data governance efforts and support strategic enrollment and registration analysis

• Develop and deliver reports and analyses that measure institutional effectiveness and performance

• Conduct program reviews and provide recommendations for continuous improvement

Strategic Planning & Development

• Lead the development and advancement of strategic planning frameworks, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term growth objectives

• Provide metrics and recommendations to inform and align with the University’s strategic plan

• Evaluate progress toward long-range goals and integrated planning efforts

​Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a high-performing analytics and reporting team

• Establish performance expectations and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

• Promote best practices in data analysis, reporting, and stakeholder engagement

• Support professional development and build team capabilities in analytics and business intelligence

Strategic Initiatives & Innovation

• Identify and evaluate emerging trends, including artificial intelligence, to enhance analytics and reporting capabilities

• Drive innovation in data strategy, tools, and processes to improve organizational effectiveness

Location & Position Level

This is an in-person position based at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida.

This role is being advertised at the Senior Director level; however, the final hiring level (Director or Senior Director) will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise.

Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! 

• 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! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! 

• 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.    

Qualifications

Required Education and Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in analytics, strategy, or data-driven decision support
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, complex initiatives with minimal oversight
• Strong background in decision sciences, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights for executive leadership
• Proven experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI) and enterprise reporting environments
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans, metrics, and performance dashboards
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to develop high-performing teams and foster collaboration
• Experience working cross-functionally with senior leadership, academic stakeholders, and operational teams
• Knowledge of data governance, data integrity, and best practices in analytics and reporting
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies (including AI) and apply them to enhance reporting and analytics capabilities
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in a clear, concise, and meaningful way

Preferred:

• Certifications in data analytics, business intelligence, or related disciplines

Application process/requirements 

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site  and search for requisition number R311210. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: 

• Cover letter 

• Full Resume 

• Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process) 

Current Embry-Riddle employees: Please apply directly through the ERAU Employee Hub Central application within Workday. 

Embry-Riddle is committed to fostering a workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We strive to ensure that all faculty, staff, and students are treated fairly and provided equal opportunities for employment, advancement, compensation, training, and other benefits of employment. Embry-Riddle makes employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, and other terms of employment — based on individual merit, qualifications, and abilities. Embry Riddle is strongly opposed to discrimination and harassment, and such behavior is prohibited by university policy. Embry Riddle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, predisposing genetic characteristics, age, religion, or pregnancy status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, in its employment, educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs or activities. For further information, please visit our website . 

Embry-Riddle is not seeking assistance from staffing or recruitment agencies. All agencies are directed to contact eraujobs@erau.edu and should not reach out to hiring managers or staff.