Sinclair College has established itself as a national leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), serving as a trusted partner to government agencies, industry innovators, and academic institutions, driving the next generation of flight. We are seeking an Associate Director for Advanced Air Mobility who will lead collaborative initiatives that span flight testing, technical demonstrations, and workforce development. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with top-tier partners, pursue innovative funding opportunities, and expand Sinclair’s reach as a center of excellence in AAM innovation. Bring your vision, leadership, and technical expertise to help define the future of aviation

• Tuition waiver for employee and dependents for all Sinclair courses and programs
• Support for continued training and education, including tuition reimbursement for other universities and colleges
• OPERS pension participation option, with 14% employer contribution
• 4+ weeks of personal and vacation leave, 3+ weeks of sick leave annually
• 14 days of annually observed company holidays
• Expansive and competitive insurance programs, including an HSA with annual employer contribution available
• High quality programs and events for work-life balance

Principal Accountabilities:

• In coordination with the Chief Research Officer, identify, evaluate, prioritize, and lead the successful execution of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) flight testing, training, research, and outreach initiatives
• Lead the pursuit of externally funded AAM and UAS projects, including grants, contracts, and subsidies from public and private funding sources, while supporting limited internally funded efforts as appropriate
• Collaborate closely with UAS Department leadership, faculty, staff, and broader college stakeholders to secure funding and ensure the successful planning, development, testing, demonstration, and execution of technical and operational project components
• Ensure all AAM and UAS initiatives align with the strategic vision and goals of the UAS Department and the college, enhance Sinclair’s national and international reputation in AAM and UAS, and advance financial and operational objectives
• Cultivate, strengthen, and maintain relationships with current and prospective industry partners, clients, research collaborators, and funding entities through regular engagement and travel
• Lead the development, preparation, and submission of high-quality proposals to a wide range of public and private funding organizations, ensuring competitiveness and compliance with sponsor requirements
• Exercise delegated authority for standard proposals and funding levels, while obtaining required approvals from the Chief Research Officer, grants office, or other designated college authorities to ensure compliance with institutional policies and external regulations
• Support and oversee AAM and UAS operational activities, event planning and facilitation, demonstrations, and other departmental initiatives as needed
• Serve as remote and onboard Pilot -In-in Command (PIC) for certified and experimental aircraft, assuming responsibility for the conduct of flights ensuring regulatory compliance, risk management, and safety of operations
• Represent the college at industry, trade, and professional conferences; funding opportunity briefings; and stakeholder meetings domestically and internationally to identify, pursue, and secure AAM and UAS-related revenue and partnership opportunities

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field required; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant technical and/or traditional aviation, UAS, and/or AAM operations and/or instructional experience required
• Current or ability to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration Second Class Medical Certificate or alternate approval required
• Current Commercial Pilot Certificate issued by FAA required; Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) rating preferred
• Current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA required
• Completion of UAS Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized training certifications preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication and listening skills, including experience in preparing and delivering proposals, reports, and presentations required
• U.S. Citizenship preferred
• U.S. Passport preferred