CSPS Deputy Executive Director (Principal Director)

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) is dedicated to shaping the future of space by providing nonpartisan research and strategic analysis to decisionmakers, and to informing broader public discussions of space policy.

The CSPS is part of The Aerospace Corporation, a nonprofit organization that advises the government on complex space enterprise and systems engineering problems. The Principal Director of Space Policy and Strategy will provide strategic and tactical leadership of the CSPS organization comprised of the Strategic Foresight, Civil & Commercial Space Policy and Regulation, and the Strategy & National Security teams, as well as a small team of direct reports including Aerospace corporate fellows in space policy and the policy center’s project manager. The largest part of the 14-person core team is located in Crystal City, Virginia, but staff are also located in California, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The Principal Director will orchestrate the internally-directed research activities of the Center, manage hiring and performance for the staff, and engage with customer-facing portions of Aerospace to develop projects in direct support of government needs.

Work Model

This is a full-time position, nominally based in Crystal City, VA that combines 4 to 5 regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow. Uniquely qualified candidates, whom are willing to support travel as necessary for events and team leadership and have a strong record of leading geographically separated teams, may be considered at other major Aerospace operating locations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Inspires and provides thought leadership to the CSPS organization currently including three Directors and their teams of analysts. Helps CSPS team develop ideas and express them in a way that most influences U.S. policy and strategy.

• Responsible for organization structure, priorities and staffing. Recommends budgets and allocates resources. Reports organization technical activities, issues, and accomplishments to upper management, subordinates, and customers through briefings and written/oral reports.

• Establishes and focuses organization strategy and objectives consistent with corporate goals, customer needs and assigned functions. Communicates goals to subordinates and supervises and monitors progress towards stated goals. Directs, assesses, recognizes, and rewards efforts of subordinate managers and staff in achieving organizational goals and objectives. Monitors performance of direct and subordinate staff, conducts performance reviews, recommends salary actions, and recommends performance improvement, career development, training, reassignment, transfer, and other staff deployments.

• Brings own area of expertise, including the skills to research, write, edit, and present in that area as well as extensive relationships and standing with other experts in the area. The right person will be an acknowledged authority who influences U.S. space policy and strategy.

• Develops understanding of customer needs and directs organization resources and operation to respond effectively to those needs. Advises customer management of work progress and issues. Assembles and directs teams established to analyze, define, and satisfy customer needs from available resources; supplements teams from outside resources as needed.

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for the Principal Director of Space Policy and Strategy role:

• Graduate degree in a relevant subject area (policy, economics, or a technical field) from a recognized institution is required

• A minimum of 12 years of proven expertise in relevant fields, including progressively responsible experience leading high-performing teams comprised of independent, self-starting and expert individuals is required

• Deep understanding of strategic and policy issues relevant to the space sector, with a strong grasp of the technical, economic, and sociopolitical issues that are shaping the future of space

• Strong skills researching, writing, editing