Launch Operations Manager Jobs in Prescott, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona - along with 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's Prescott Campus is seeking a highly organized, analytical, and student-focused professional to serve as the Manager, Flight Data & Certification / FAA Testing Center within the Flight Department.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing Flight Data & Certification operations and the FAA Testing Center while ensuring compliance with FAA Part 141 requirements, university standards, TSA regulations, and certification processes supporting more than 1,200 flight students annually.

The position plays a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency, supporting student progression, and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of flight training documentation and certification records.

The Manager serves as a key liaison between Flight Operations, Scheduling, Training, and the Office of the Registrar to support accurate flight course registration, student onboarding, FACR-related scheduling coordination, certification processing, and audit readiness. This position also provides operational analysis and reporting to support departmental decision-making, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across Flight Operations.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced aviation environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and is committed to delivering outstanding customer service while supporting the success of future aviation professionals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Produce, analyze, interpret, and distribute operational data and reports utilizing ETA, RMS, and other departmental systems to support Flight Department operations, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Prepare and produce biannual FAA Part 141 recertification reports and maintain TSA clearance processes to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

• Manage the daily operations of the Flight Data & Certification office and FAA Testing Center, including oversight of records management, certification processes, and operational workflows.

• Maintain and audit student flight training records to ensure compliance with FAA Parts 141, 142, and 61, university standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Oversee the preparation and validation of student certification documentation, including FAA Form 8710 applications, temporary and permanent airman certificates, graduation certifications, and supporting regulatory records.

• Coordinate flight course registration and FACR alignment in collaboration with Scheduling and the Office of the Registrar to support student throughput and operational readiness.

• Serve as a liaison between Flight Operations, Scheduling, Training, and university departments to support student progression and resolve operational or scheduling conflicts.

• Support student onboarding activities including orientation, flight check-in, and training readiness processes.

• Provide front-line support to students, instructors, and staff regarding certification requirements, registration, scheduling coordination, and FAA application processes.

• Serve as an FAA testing proctor and support FAA, TSA, internal, and external audits.

• Supervise Flight Data & Certification staff and student employees, including training, scheduling, performance management, and operational support.

• Maintain positive working relationships with FAA Principal Operations Inspectors (POIs), TSA representatives, PSI representatives, university leadership, and external stakeholders.

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: 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Records Management, Compliance Administration, Business, Aviation Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Three to five years of administrative, records management, compliance, student support, operations coordination, or related professional experience required.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with experience utilizing Microsoft Excel, Access, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and database systems.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and provide exceptional customer service to students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Experience in aviation operations, FAA compliance, higher education administration, records management, student services, or data analytics preferred.

Application process/requirements