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Job Title

Associate Director, Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT)

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Autonomy Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

Learn more information here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQR4HbGJu0) !

PURPOSE

The Associate Director (AD) – CAAT, reporting to the Executive Director of the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI), will lead the coordination and management of CAAT’s airspace laboratory. This role encompasses oversight of the development and implementation of flight demonstration zones and testing corridors, aimed at transitioning Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies and use cases into operational environments safely and effectively.

The AD – CAAT will be directly responsible for managing a program projected at $34 million annually, with projected growth over three (3) years of $102 million in total sponsored research. This role plays a critical part in supporting the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ongoing efforts to bring AAM and other advanced concepts into the national airspace safely with minimal impact disruption to existing air traffic systems.

This is a grant-funded position based in Fort Worth, Texas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management: 50%

+ Provide strategic leadership and oversee all operations related to the CAAT Program under the three (3) year FAA Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) Period of Performance.

+ Serve as program manager for CAAT’s day-to-day operations and program execution.

+ Develop and implement comprehensive staffing strategies to support CAAT initiatives.

+ Establish foundational partnerships with major aerospace corporations and Fortune 500 companies to support CAAT’s collaborative efforts.

+ Lead the creation, revision, and implementation of essential plans, policies, and operational procedures.

+ Direct the design and deployment of an airspace laboratory and flight demonstration zones to enable the safe integration of AAM, powered-lift systems, and other emerging technologies into the National Airspace System (NAS).

+ Lead the coordination and establishment of testing corridors to validate Air Traffic Control (ATC) requirements, operational procedures, and performance benchmarks for AAM operations.

+ Develop and facilitate strategic AAM partnerships among industry leaders, academic institutions, and government entities; oversee ongoing collaboration and support for these alliances.

+ Identify and assess emerging aviation technologies and services-including AAM platforms, powered-lift aircraft, and other advanced aviation innovations-as prioritized by the FAA.

Operations: 30%

+ Lead the development, execution, coordination, and evaluation of multiple airspace laboratories in partnership with academic, industry, and government collaborators.

+ Design and implement programs, initiatives, and supporting materials aimed at advancing AAM integration and innovation.

+ Establish performance metrics and analysis frameworks to ensure timely execution and review of strategic plans and actions.

+ Contribute to ARI-CAAT After-Action Reviews (AARs), identifying lessons learned and recommending improvements for future planning and testing activities.

+ Safely operates university vehicles/machinery.

Planning and Administrative: 20%

+ Direct both short-term and long-term strategic planning initiatives; track implementation and evaluate performance outcomes.

+ Support the annual budgeting process, including preparation of grant applications and oversight of grant-related activities.

+ Develop, maintain, and continuously improve departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

+ Carry out additional duties as assigned by ARI and the FAA.

QUALIFICATIONS

+ Bachelor’s Degree

+ Eight (8) years of progressively responsible management, administrative, or operational experience to include five (5) years of supervisory experience in AAM and/or Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

+ Additional education may be used as a substitute for the minimum experience requirement:

+ Master’s Degree and Six (6) years of progressively responsible management, administrative, or operational experience to include Three (3) years of supervisory experience in AAM and/or Urban Air Mobility (UAM), OR

+ Doctoral Degree and Four (4) years of progressively responsible management, administrative, or operational experience to include One (1) year of supervisory experience in AAM and/or Urban Air Mobility (UAM)

+ Must maintain a valid driver's license

+ Travel associated with position may be up to 20%

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills

+ Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

+ High level of articulation and professionalism

+ Exceptional attention to detail

+ Critical thinking and proactive problem solving

+ Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement

+ Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance

+ Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively

+ Demonstrated leadership skills

+ Demonstrated ability to develop strategies and obtain senior leader support

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ Five (5) years of experience leading and executing UAS operations

NOTE:

+ This is a grant funded position with continued employment contingent upon available funding.

+ This position has the possibility to be hybrid (partially remote).

+ Due to federal law on deemed export controls/ITAR compliance, it is not possible to petition for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must be a U.S. persons.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/index.php) and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE: (https://assets.system.tamus.edu/files/benefits/website/BenefitsGuide.pdf)

+ Medical

+ $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

+ Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

+ Employee and Spouse

+ Employee and Children

+ Employee and Family coverage

+ Dental & Vision

+ Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/careers/dual-career-partner/index.php)

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/eap.php)

+ Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits: (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/tuition/index.php)

+ Public Loan Forgiveness

+ Book scholarships

+ 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/benefits/retirement-programs.php) :

+ Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

+ Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off (https://www.tamucc.edu/human-resources/time-off/index.php) :

+ 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

+ 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

+ 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

+ 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.