Associate Director for National Security Space
Requisition Number:
66259
Location:
Boulder, Colorado
City
Boulder
State
Colorado
Employment Type:
Research Faculty
Schedule:
Full-Time
Posting Close Date:
30-Jul-2025
Date Posted:
25-Jul-2025
Job Summary
The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks an accomplished leader in national security space to serve as its Associate Director for National Security Space. This executive-level role will shape and advance NSI’s strategy to position CU Boulder as a leading research partner for the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and other national security stakeholders.
The Associate Director will provide strategic vision, programmatic leadership, and operational oversight for NSI’s portfolio of research in advanced space technologies and systems. This includes building and sustaining relationships with federal sponsors and industry partners, guiding internal investments to grow the technical capabilities of NSI and CU campus collaborators, and ensuring alignment with sponsor priorities and mission needs. The position requires a forward-looking mindset to anticipate emerging threats and opportunities in the national security space domain.
This role will report directly to NSI’s Director and serve as a key member of the NSI executive leadership team, helping to drive the Center’s growth into a premier interdisciplinary research institute.
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.
Who We Are
The Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado Boulder provides high-impact national security research and workforce development enabled by world-class research scientists and essential infrastructure. The Center addresses the ever-increasing demand for qualified and experienced defense professionals in Colorado and across the nation by creating a prime opportunity for on-demand research collaboration in the national security research enterprise.
At NSI, our researchers both extend and deepen the national security research done across the University. We create a wide range of opportunities for training students at all levels of studies and create a pathway to post-graduate jobs and service.
NSI is committed to excellence through diversity by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our ability to share and engage with diverse perspectives.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Define and implement NSI’s strategic vision for national security space research and development.
- Anticipate sponsor needs and emerging mission challenges to position NSI at the forefront of national security space innovation.
- Shape internal and external strategies to grow NSI’s presence and impact within the DoD and IC communities.
- Foster strong collaborations with CU Boulder faculty, departments, colleges, and other campus centers and institutes to build multidisciplinary teams and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.
Program and Portfolio Development
- Lead efforts to identify, pursue, and secure major research initiatives with DoD, IC, and industry partners.
- Guide the creation and growth of research programs in areas such as resilient space architectures, advanced sensing systems, space domain awareness, and mission assurance.
- Support proposal development and ensure technical quality and strategic alignment.
- Partner with academic units to develop a technical workforce prepared to address national security space challenges.
External Engagement and Advocacy
- Serve as a senior NSI representative to federal agencies (e.g., AFRL, DARPA, NRO, Space Force), industry partners, and academic collaborators.
- Build strategic partnerships across government, academia, and industry to enable large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Advocate for NSI’s role in advancing national security space missions through active participation in sponsor forums, technical panels, and policy discussions.
- Engage in national dialogues on space security, organize workshops, and contribute thought leadership to strengthen NSI’s visibility and reputation as a leader in national security space research.
Organizational and Operational Leadership
- Oversee NSI’s national security space research portfolio, including resource allocation, capability development, and staff recruitment.
- Mentor and develop senior applied researchers, fostering an inclusive and collaborative research culture.
- Participate in executive-level planning and decision-making to shape NSI’s growth as a leading research organization.
What We Can Offer
- The salary offered for this 100% appointment is $200,000 - $250,000.
- Relocation assistance (or signing bonus) may be available within NSI guidelines.
Benefits
The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Ph.D. in aerospace engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a related technical discipline.
- At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in DoD/IC organizations, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), or defense-oriented industry.
- Demonstrated success in building and leading interdisciplinary research programs in national security space.
- Active or eligible for a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance at the Secret level or higher.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.
During the application process you will need to enter contact information for a reference. We will request a letter of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses.
Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until July 30th, 2025.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu