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 and publicizing policy and strategy

• Substantial experience in a managerial role with proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Willingness to occasionally travel primarily in support of thought leadership, approximately 25% (as required)

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of the following:

• A strong record of publication, public presentation and research leadership that distinguishes you as a public intellectual contributor in the field (similar success with classified work would be viewed as equally relevant) is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated experience in building and leading teams in research and writing

• Deep connections across the space policy and strategy and/or national security policy communities

• A strong multi-disciplinary academic background that demonstrates an ability to integrate technical considerations into strategic problem solving

• Substantial experience working at or with senior levels in government

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailat peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.