Deputy Director, ASSURE

Position Function:

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.

Salary Grade:  20

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

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. ASSURE possesses the expertise, experience, and influence that the FAA Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems demands.

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