Deputy Director - Unmanned Aerial Systems

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) initiatives
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, academia, and government entities
• Pursue diverse funding opportunities and external grants to advance UAS goals
• Support research activities and monitor the higher education market landscape
• Ensure compliance with accreditation, standards, and FAA regulatory requirements
• Lead cross-functional teams to expand programs and maintain high standards of innovation
• Represent the college through publications, speaking engagements, and advocacy

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 10 years of relevant experience, OR a Master's degree with 5 years of experience
• Proven experience in strategic planning and project management
• Background in UAS, AAM, or related aviation fields
• Strong people management, team building, and conflict resolution skills
• Current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing proposals and reports

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a related topic with 5 years of experience
• Experience with modeling and simulation for airspace visualization
• Background in applied research and development
• Experience securing funding through BAA, SBIR, STTR, or CRADA mechanisms
• Knowledge of intellectual property development and commercialization
• Traditional FAA pilot's certificate or advanced ratings

Benefits

• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents
• Support for continued training and tuition reimbursement
• OPERS pension participation with 14% employer contribution
• 4+ weeks of personal/vacation leave and 3+ weeks of sick leave annually
• Competitive insurance programs including HSA options

About the Company

Sinclair Community College is a leader in aviation innovation located in Dayton, Ohio. The college offers state-of-the-art facilities, including the National UAS Training and Certification Center, an indoor flying pavilion, and advanced flight simulators to support cutting-edge UAS education and research.