Director of UAS Strategy and Partnerships

The Director of UAS Strategy and Partnerships provides 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.

  • 522311
  • Salina, Kansas, United States
  • Salina Dept of UAS
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Oct 7 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid eligible
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About This Role

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.

About Us

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.

Worksite Description

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

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

Application Window

Applications close on: October 7, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

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

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas:

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.