Deputy Director, ASSURE

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Deputy Director for ASSURE, focused on UAS integration. This full-time role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance national security through research and innovation in unmanned aircraft systems.

The successful candidate will engage with agencies like FAA and NASA, develop strategic plans, and manage complex projects. A bachelor's degree and extensive experience in aviation or related fields are essential. Knowledge of UAS regulations and technologies is also required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Management, Business, Geospatial Sciences, or Aviation-related field with seven years’ experience.
• Master’s degree preferred, with ten years related experience.
• Direct work experience in project management, especially aviation.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a network of stakeholders in the UAS sector.
• Identify opportunities and challenges related to UAS integration.
• Develop and implement strategic plans with stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison between universities, industry, and government.
• Explore funding opportunities and support grant writing.

Skills

Business development strategies

Project management

Leadership skills

Risk assessment

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

The Deputy Director for ASSURE is a full‑time position in support of ASSURE located on MSU’s Main Campus. This position is responsible to the Executive Director for driving UAS integration in the nation’s airspace system to improve national security, commerce, public safety and benefit through the applied research capabilities across ASSURE’s 30 universities and over 100 industry and government partners. The successful candidate will engage with various stakeholders (FAA, NASA, FEMA, NIST, DHS, DOD, and other agencies and industry customers) to support the development of innovative regulatory frameworks that facilitate safe and effective UAS implementation in our everyday lives. Coordinates with Associate Directors and the Office of Research and Economic Development in the creation of proposals and associated budgets, and further assists in the capture of research grants and contracts. Develops and maintains technical understanding of all ASSURE universities’ and partners’ competences, identifies opportunities for employment of these capabilities, and advances solutions to capture opportunities and solve problems. Serves as MSU and ASSURE advocate to federal, state, and commercial activities in the USA and internationally. Utilizes this experience and expertise to inform the Executive Director’s development effort in creating strategic plans and vision for ASSURE.

Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence is comprised of 29 of the world’s leading research institutions and more than a hundred leading industry and government partners. ASSURE members are core to four FAA UAS test sites, lead four FAA research centers, and have a multitude of UAS ranging from small drones below 55 pounds to the largest UAS at any US academic institution at 1800 pounds. This alliance features expertise across a broad spectrum of research areas, including air traffic control interoperability, UAS airport ground operations, control and communications, detect and avoid, human factors, UAS noise reduction, UAS wake signatures, unmanned aircraft pilot training and certification, low altitude operations safety, spectrum management and UAS traffic management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, maintain, and leverage a robust network of stakeholders, subject matter experts, partners, and sponsors, within the UAS and public safety sectors to facilitate collaboration, information sharing, and the development of applied research and programs to solve problems and advance opportunities.
• Actively identify and analyze opportunities/challenges and gaps related to UAS integration into the nation’s airspace, and its safe/efficient uses in public safety, including potential regulatory hurdles and technological advancements.
• For the Executive Director, develop and implement strategic plans to address identified problems and leverage opportunities in collaboration with our partners and stakeholders.
• Act as a liaison between universities, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to foster collaborative efforts and co‑create solutions for regulatory and public safety challenges.
• Collaborate with sponsors, and stakeholders to explore funding opportunities, support grant writing efforts, and develop strategies for securing financial resources for proposed projects.
• Develop strategies and help facilitate the capture of cost share as required by the FAA COE.
• Synthesize insights from ASSURE studies and stakeholders to communicate findings and recommendations to broad audiences, including decision‑makers and the public.
• Plan and coordinate ASSURE national and international outreach activities to bring together stakeholders and facilitate dialogue on regulatory and operational issues related to UAS.
• Collaborate with the marketing/communications team to align business development goals with marketing strategies, ensuring the organization’s messaging and digital presence support its growth objectives.
• Keep abreast of trends, advancements, and best practices in UAS technology and public safety uses of UAS, to inform strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
• In coordination with the ASSURE team, develop ROM cost estimates for related research tasks, and other potential activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, Management, Business, Geospatial Sciences or Aviation‑related field with seven years’ experience in aviation; engineering; program management; or test or evaluation of unmanned aircraft or applicable systems.

Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Engineering, Management, Business, Geospatial Sciences or Aviation‑related field.
Ten years related experience with aviation; systems design; engineering; program management; research and development; or test or evaluation of unmanned aircraft or applicable systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of business development strategies, pre‑award, and closing.
• Ability and experience in identifying problems and opportunities, and developing innovative solutions.
• Possesses leadership skills representing institutional interests to national and international stakeholders, managing program and project‑level activities, and mentoring/motivating employees.
• Direct work experience in project management; particularly aviation and government‑sponsored projects.
• Experience in working effectively, managing and leading teams across departments to achieve goals.
• Proficient in managing multiple projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Experience in risk assessment, mitigation, and management.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable FAA and public safety regulations and guidance pertaining to the operation of UAS in the national airspace system.
• Knowledge of the UAS industry, including key manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and integrators.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, computer networking and programs, and computer‑based systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to stakeholders and sponsors.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• May require work with hazardous materials and wear of personal protective equipment.
• Physical requirements include frequent sitting, talking, hearing, walking, and standing; occasionally reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 55 pounds.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically. Externally exposed to deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict‑resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Extensive travel will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325‑5839.