Director of Aerospace (PROGRAM MANAGER SENIOR II)

State of Maryland - COMM - Office of Strategic Industries & Innovation; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plan

Vision plan

Job summary

The Maryland Department of Commerce seeks a Director of Aerospace to drive growth in Maryland’s aerospace sector, serving as the subject matter expert, spokesperson, and advocate for the state’s strategic aerospace initiatives.

You will analyze national and global trends, engage with space, aviation, unmanned systems sectors, and coordinate with partners to promote innovation, startup formation, and capital attraction in Maryland.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field.
• Ten years of industrial, business, or economic development experience with governance, budgeting, and strategic planning within a STEM field.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth of Maryland’s aerospace sector as a core economic driver.
• Serve as SME, spokesperson, and advocate for the aerospace industry.
• Collaborate with federal agencies, universities, industry, and investors to expand opportunities.

Skills

Aerospace industry knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Introduction

This is a Management Service position, and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE

24

LOCATION OF POSITION

World Trade Center 401 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The Maryland Department of Commerce is seeking qualified applicants for the Director of Aerospace position within the Office of Strategic Industries and Entrepreneurship within the Division of Industry, International and Innovation.

POSITION DUTIES

The Director is responsible for growth of the aerospace industry sector as one of the core industries driving Maryland’s economy. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert, a spokesperson, and an advocate for Maryland’s aerospace strategic industry sector. The Director will thoroughly understand Maryland’s aerospace industry and technology assets and be knowledgeable of the national and global industry trends. Key subsectors include space, aviation, advanced air mobility and uncrewed autonomous systems. This position will work with the aerospace sector stakeholders to influence and grow the industry’s economic impact for the state. The Director will support innovation and commercialization in Maryland’s aerospace sectors, promoting the resources and building a conducive environment to encourage startup formation, growth and expansion of established businesses, as well as attraction of new businesses and capital into the state. The partner support network for Maryland aerospace industry consists of an extensive range of private firms, military and civilian assets, academic and non-profit organizations, and investors; the development of Commerce’s strategy is designed to complement partners’ programs. Through the relationships established with these organizations, ancillary businesses in the supply chain, as well as internal collaboration with departmental subject matter experts and regional representatives, the Director will determine opportunities for continued sector expansion and maintaining Maryland’s competitiveness. This position also provides staffing and operational support to the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission. The selected employee will possess excellent interpersonal skills to build and strengthen relationships with high level public and private sector officials and business leaders; excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to handle multiple, concurrent and high priority projects; and familiarity with leadership and key staff at relevant federal agencies, with university faculty, industry, and investors. Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, Google Office Suite is required. Some state travel is required as is attendance at some national and international trade shows.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field (e.g., aerospace, astronomy, physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, geology, aerospace).
• Experience: Ten (10) years industrial, business, or economic development, commercialization, strategic, and operational planning, project management, grants, funds, and budget management within a STEM-related field.
• Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of an advanced degree related to a STEM-related field (e.g., aerospace, astronomy, physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, geology, aerospace)
• Experience with early-stage companies, business to government, business to business, commercialization, raising capital, public-private partnerships and stakeholder management.
• Business and technical experience in space, aviation, uncrewed autonomous or advanced air mobility systems within the past 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience providing administrative and operational support to state or organizational Boards and Commissions.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including:

• health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

As an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 1-800-735-2258