"Director, Space Innovation"

Auburn University’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research and Economic Development is seeking a qualified candidate for the role of Director of Space Innovation. This position provides strategic leadership for planning and interdisciplinary research initiatives that advance space development and operations. It positions the University as a key contributor to the national space agenda by aligning institutional efforts with emerging priorities and fostering innovation across sectors.

Essential Functions:

Strategic Vision & Leadership: Defines and drives the strategic vision for space innovation applied research, ensuring alignment with the mission and priorities of the Applied Research Institute (ARI) and its Executive Director. Leads the development and execution of high-impact initiatives that position the University at the forefront of space-related applied research.

Team Management & Talent Development: Oversees and supervises space innovation personnel, fostering a culture of excellence through professional development, performance evaluations, and regular goal-oriented engagement. Builds a high-performing team that delivers on ARI’s objectives and adapts to evolving research priorities.

Growth Strategy & Technical Roadmap: Develops and sustains a comprehensive growth strategy and technical roadmap for space innovation, targeting emerging sponsor needs and technology gaps. Champions the development of cutting-edge research proposals that secure funding and advance the University’s reputation in space innovation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Proposal Development: Serves as a primary liaison with U.S. Government agencies, industry partners, academic faculty, staff, and students to promote collaborative applied research. Leads the creation of competitive proposals, detailed budgets, project schedules, and progress reports; communicates outcomes effectively to internal and external stakeholders.

Defense & Aerospace Partnership Development: Designs and executes strategies to position the University as a trusted partner for non-traditional defense and aerospace companies. Provides access to critical capabilities for technology maturation, including testing, evaluation, and qualification infrastructure.

Academic Integration & Instruction: Advises university leadership and faculty on the evolution of space-focused academic programs, contributing to curriculum development and instruction within the space systems certificate program. Bridges research and education to cultivate the next generation of space innovation leaders.

Program Development and Cross-campus Impact: Leads the conceptualization and planning of a university-wide space program in space research and education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term institutional impact.

Technical Reporting & Strategic Planning: Prepares comprehensive technical reports to support both short-term initiatives and long-range strategic planning efforts, ensuring informed decision-making and sustained progress.