Director of UAS Strategy and Partnerships

Kansas State University's Aerospace and Technology Campus in Salina seeks a Director of UAS Strategy and Partnerships to provide strategic and financial leadership to advance Kansas State University Salina's initiatives in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), and emerging aerospace technologies.

This position is responsible for developing and executing long-range strategies that strengthen the university's national leadership position, expand external partnerships, secure new funding opportunities, and support sustainable growth of aviation and engineering technology programs.

K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus is a distinctive part of Kansas State University. Located in Salina, Kansas, approximately 65 miles west of K-State's Manhattan campus, Salina offers a close-knit campus environment with the opportunities and resources of a Big 12 university.

Our campus is centered on innovative learning, real-world experiences and industry connections. Students work alongside faculty and industry partners in fields that are shaping the future of aviation, engineering and technology.

This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is Hybrid eligible. Candidates must be on campus regularly throughout each work week. Hybrid eligibility will be evaluated based on individual performance.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Valid Driver's License upon employment
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in aviation, aerospace, engineering technology, business development, strategic planning, program management, or related fields.
  
  Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. Various licensure and/or flight hours may be required; exact licensure and/or flight hours is dependent upon job duties assigned. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced technical knowledge, applied methodologies and critical problem-solving skills essential for leading academic and operational programs in aviation and engineering technology. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in aviation, aerospace engineering, engineering technology, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree in aviation, aerospace, engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations, UAS operations, airspace integration, and emerging aviation technologies highly preferred.
• Significant experience within the UAS, Advanced Air Mobility, aerospace, or aviation industries.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, financial plans, and resource allocation strategies.
• Experience building partnerships with industry, government, academic, or research organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that result in organizational growth and external engagement.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience securing grants, contracts, sponsorships, or other external funding.
• Established network of industry, government, and research relationships within aviation or aerospace sectors.
• Experience working in higher education, applied research, or technology commercialization environments.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Names and Contact Information for three current, professional references

Applications close on: October 7, 2026

$85,000 - $120,000, depending on qualifications.