Director, Center for Integrated Airspace Research (CIAR)

Kean University•Union, NJ

2d•$85,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Director of the Center for Integrated Airspace Research (CIAR), reporting to the Vice President of Strategic and Global Initiatives, will provide visionary leadership in establishing and advancing a multidisciplinary research center focused on integrated airspace systems, including aviation management, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), and aviation technologies. The Director will develop and implement the Center’s strategic vision by leading interdisciplinary research initiatives, creating academic and workforce development programs, and fostering collaboration across the University, government agencies, industry, and the broader scientific community. The Director will work closely with the Director of Operations at Kean Skylands on grant-related projects and campus operations. Key areas of responsibility include strategic planning, research development, external partnership cultivation, competitive grant acquisition, and public engagement, with the goal of positioning CIAR as a nationally recognized leader in integrated airspace research and innovation. The position is grant-funded, and continued employment depends on the availability of grant funding. Travel and a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours, are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
At least two years of professional experience working in an institution of higher education, education, or a related field.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated experience leading complex research programs, academic centers, government initiatives, or interdisciplinary scientific organizations.
Experience managing staff, budgets, grants, and collaborative research projects.
A distinguished record of interdisciplinary scholarship, scientific investigation, policy analysis, or equivalent professional achievement.
Sustained success in securing external funding.
Ability to build high-impact research programs advancing scientific discovery, evidence-based policy, aviation and aerospace workforce development, and educational excellence.
Willingness to travel and work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours.
Establish a principal residence in New Jersey within 365 days of hire, as required by the New Jersey First Act.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience working with governmental agencies, research institutions, aerospace organizations, or related stakeholders.
Professional experience in a related field such as aviation management, physics, astronomy, aerospace engineering, atmospheric science, data science, psychology, anthropology, public policy, or intelligence studies.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership in establishing and advancing a multidisciplinary research center focused on integrated airspace systems.
Develop and implement the Center’s strategic vision.
Lead interdisciplinary research initiatives.
Create innovative academic and workforce development programs.
Foster collaborations across the University, government agencies, industry, and the broader scientific community.
Work with the Director of Operations at Kean Skylands on grant-related projects and operations at that campus.
Lead strategic planning and research development.
Cultivate external partnerships and pursue competitive grant funding.
Conduct public engagement to position the Center as a nationally recognized leader in integrated airspace research and innovation.
Manage staff, budgets, grants, and collaborative research projects.
Build research programs that advance scientific discovery, evidence-based policy, aviation and aerospace workforce development, and educational excellence.
Travel as required and work a flexible schedule that includes evening and weekend hours.