Job Summary

The Director of (Flight) Projects leads all operations of the LASP Project Office, driving the successful execution of large flight projects and other major projects from award through delivery. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing the project office framework, standardizing methodologies for execution and reporting, supporting the principal investigators and project managers, reporting progress to the LASP Director, executive and senior leadership teams, and ensuring each project advances LASP's strategic science goals. The Director of Projects may also actively manage projects.

The Director reports to the Senior Director for Technology and partners closely with the Director of Strategy to deliver mission-critical programs that meet technical, schedule, and cost commitments.

This role requires an onsite presence of at least 4 days per week.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and direct the full operations of the LASP Project Office, including insight, support, and reporting to LASP leadership for major mission and instrument efforts and oversight of the SmallSat Program and other multi-project programs
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of project managers supporting multiple concurrent flight projects
• Identify high-potential technical leaders and create structured development pathways to build project management depth and succession across the lab
• Establish a lab-wide community of practice that supports project management professionals at all career stages, spanning both dedicated project managers and science and technical staff leading projects

Project Standards

• Steer the full project portfolio, from early concept through mission operations, ensuring LASP's flight projects and programs are executed with technical rigor, schedule discipline, and cost accountability for sponsors
• Define organizational authority structures, accountability frameworks, and decision-making for project leadership across the lab, including the roles and responsibilities of principal investigators (PIs) and project managers (PMs)
• Design, implement, and continuously improve project management standards and methodologies.
• Define and implement internal project kickoff and oversight and reporting processes to ensure consistency and accountability across all projects
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and export control requirements, and maintain accountability for project schedules
• Implement scalable performance measurement approaches (e.g. Earned Value Management) across programs and ensure compliance with customer and contractual reporting requirements
• Establish organizational mechanisms for project risk management, support/oversight, and intervention/problem solving with project and technical managers

Oversight

• Serve as the primary point of escalation for program risks, issues, and changes, and oversee corrective actions/planning
• Report project status, milestones, and the full project portfolio to the Senior Director for Technology and lab leadership

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Director of Strategy on proposal formulation, translating LASP mission concepts into competitive flight project proposals
• Facilitate partnership between Finance & Operations and project managers to ensure project managers have sufficient training and resources for budgeting and contract management
• Work closely with the LASP Finance team to develop and incorporate proactive financial management and associated tools to allow for a consistent and clear picture of project financial health

* Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Due to requirements governing access to export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire.
• This role requires an onsite presence of at least 4 days per week.

What We Can Offer

• $232,950 - $271,850 per year.
• Relocation assistance may be available.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of project or program management experience, with 5+ years in space science or aerospace.
• Demonstrated experience managing a project office or leading large programs.
• Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US persons may apply.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects.
• Proven knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and government contracting.

What You Will Need

• In-depth understanding of aerospace regulations and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Advanced degree in engineering, business administration, or related field.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: 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. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 7/2/2026 for consideration.

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.