The Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences seeks a Director to serve as a senior strategic partner to the Department Chair, lead the Smead Program, and act as a primary external-facing leader for the department. We are looking for an aerospace professional with experience in industry or government who is motivated to connect, represent, and advance a top-ranked academic department and its flagship Smead Program within the broader aerospace ecosystem.
This position is responsible for advancing the department's visibility, partnerships, and strategic priorities by connecting faculty, scholars, alumni, and external collaborators across the aerospace ecosystem, including industry, government, and academia. The Director helps position, represent, and champion the department and the Smead Program externally, brings external insights and emerging opportunities in aerospace and related fields into the department, and works across the department to identify strengths, gaps, and areas for alignment to enhance research, education, and broader departmental impact.
A key responsibility of the position is leadership of the Smead Program, a flagship, donor-supported, cohort-based leadership and fellowship program that brings together PhD scholars, faculty fellows, postdoctoral associates, and distinguished visitors. The program emphasizes leadership development and sustained engagement with the aerospace community and serves as a highly visible component of the department's broader strategy to develop future leaders in the field.
At the department level, and in close partnership with the Chair, faculty, and staff, the Director advances department-wide priorities by aligning internal strengths with external opportunities, strengthening the visibility and connectedness of research and educational programs, and translating strategic direction into coordinated action across the department.
This position operates with significant autonomy and influence, leading a focused team and collaborating closely with departmental leadership and staff managers to align resources, initiatives, and priorities in support of the department's mission and long-term direction.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.