Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Daytona Beach, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

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: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees