Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives, Berkeley Air & Space Center

Position Summary

Director – Senior Research Program Leader for the Berkeley Air & Space Center, responsible for the architecture, funding, governance, and execution of the Center’s research and strategic initiatives portfolio and for the development and operation of the Center’s research enterprise.

• Research Strategy & Program Architecture – Translate technical and academic priorities into structured research programs; design multi‑year initiatives with defined goals, success metrics, evaluation frameworks, and transition pathways; identify emerging opportunities and capability gaps across aerospace, autonomy, space systems, and dual‑use technologies; develop scalable and repeatable program architectures that integrate research, testing, and transition.
• Program Execution & Portfolio Oversight – Provide senior leadership for the execution of sponsored research and strategic initiatives; ensure alignment across technical, academic, financial, and sponsor requirements; oversee program performance, milestones, deliverables, and reporting; conduct program reviews and implement course corrections as needed.
• Research Enterprise Development & Operations – Design, build, and operate the Center’s research enterprise, including organizational structures (research staff, fellows, program leads), operating processes (program lifecycle, governance, reporting), and systems (program tracking, sponsor engagement, knowledge management); establish best practices for governance and portfolio scaling; develop repeatable models for launching and managing multiple concurrent research programs.
• Strategic Initiatives & Workforce Development – Design and oversee strategic initiatives aligned with research priorities and workforce needs; develop programs that connect research to workforce pipelines and industry demand; collaborate with campus partners to implement education and training initiatives.
• Partnerships & External Engagement – Build and sustain strategic relationships with government agencies, national laboratories, industry, and international partners; represent the Center in sponsor briefings, technical forums, and policy engagements.
• Sponsored Research Development & Funding – Lead the development of large‑scale research proposals and initiatives; structure integrated programs that align technical, academic, and sponsor priorities; serve as PI or co‑PI as appropriate; build and manage a diversified portfolio of funding sources.
• Academic Program Strategy & Faculty Coordination – Enable faculty participation in large‑scale research initiatives; coordinate interdisciplinary research clusters and collaborations; advise on research‑integrated academic and professional programs.
• Subject‑Matter Expertise & Research Contribution – Maintain an active area of expertise aligned with the Center’s priorities; contribute to research, publications, and thought leadership; lead or co‑lead selected research initiatives within the domain.

• Minimum of 6‑8 years of relevant professional experience in research program leadership, technology policy, national security, aerospace, or related field, or an equivalent combination of experience/education and knowledge.
• Demonstrated experience designing, funding, and executing complex, multi‑year research programs involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working across academia, government, and/or industry, with a strong understanding of how to align these sectors.
• Proven experience in structuring and managing multi‑partner research initiatives, including collaborations with universities, government agencies, national laboratories, or industry.
• Experience developing or contributing to successful research proposals, grants, or sponsored programs, including budget development and sponsor engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage multiple concurrent programs.
• Experience briefing or engaging senior stakeholders (e.g., government officials, industry leaders, academic leadership).
• Must either have or be willing and able to obtain security clearance upon hire.
• Doctorate in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.