Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Prg Manager

State of North Carolina

About The Position

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation. Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division of Aviation, a recognized leader in air mobility innovation, promotes the economic well-being of North Carolina by developing a safe and robust air transportation system. As the state’s aviation authority, the division manages state and federal airport infrastructure development grant projects, in collaboration with local government owners of the state’s 72 public airports, the integration of advanced air mobility and uncrewed aircraft systems for business and government use, airport professional development, aviation business and workforce development, and flight services for state agencies. Position Summary: The Program Analyst II, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Program Manager, reports to the Deputy Director within the Programs and Planning section and is responsible for envisioning and planning how to leverage and manage aeronautical innovation projects across North Carolina. The position supports the division in planning and executing projects related to aeronautical innovations across the state's public airport system, including advanced air mobility, uncrewed aircraft systems, and aircraft fleet electrification adoption. The position leads research projects related to emerging aviation technologies, advances projects that implement AAM planning, and educates our stakeholders about AAM through content creation and educational deployments. Some key roles associated with this position include partnering with local governments on land-use planning and providing use-case examples related to AAM, staying informed about national and state initiatives, and educating peer agencies and the general public about the benefits of aviation technological advancements. This position contributes to division outreach, engagement and education that builds understanding, support and compliance with public airport development. The position, as with every division position, contributes to the division’s strategic and annual work planning process to identify, advance, track, and report on goals and objectives that achieve its mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an appropriately accredited institution and five (5) years of progressive experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in program management: scoping, developing work plans, allocating resources, assigning tasks, managing schedules, monitoring and reporting progress, managing risk, cost containment, ensuring quality, decision-making, and coordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration as it relates to the program area of assignment.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, officials, and the general public.
Experience developing and delivering effective presentations, reports, and critical communications for technical and lay audiences.
Experience using computers and software, including Microsoft Office software and GIS.

Responsibilities

Lead groundbreaking aviation projects by managing and executing innovative programs that support the advancement of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) across North Carolina, including overseeing strategic initiatives like Advance Mobility NC.
Develop and drive project success by creating detailed project scopes, schedules, budgets, and milestones—ensuring that each effort meets state and stakeholder goals.
Collaborate with diverse partners, including local governments, research institutions, and industry stakeholders, to implement cutting-edge aviation solutions and ensure community readiness.
Oversee high-impact programs, including the AAM Planning Assistance Projects and the AAM-UAS Center of Excellence, ensuring alignment with state priorities and maximum public benefit.
Pursue and manage funding opportunities, including federal grants, to support aviation innovation and expand the state’s capabilities in next-generation air mobility.
Serve as a subject matter expert by producing and giving presentations, reports, and communications that clearly explain the benefits, challenges, and progress of emerging aviation technologies.
Shape public understanding through educational outreach and content development that informs communities about transformative technologies like drones, eVTOL aircraft, and sustainable aviation fuels.
Maintain thought leadership by tracking national and state trends in UAS, aircraft electrification, and AAM; ensuring North Carolina remains at the forefront of the industry.
Contribute to policy and guidance through the creation and refinement of documentation and resources that support informed decision-making and responsible innovation.
Represent North Carolina on national committees, industry panels, and at aviation conferences to ensure the state’s interests are heard and its progress recognized.