Assistant Director of Flight Safety & Operations - Internal Only

This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $110,000+ Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Assistant Director of Flight Safety and Operations provides executive-level leadership for all flight operations and safety functions within the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS). This position directs and integrates operational strategy, safety systems, and regulatory compliance across multiple divisions to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety, performance, and accountability.

The Assistant Director of Flight Safety and Operations oversees alignment between operational execution, safety management systems, and organizational objectives. The role applies proficient ability in work design, project management, and resource allocation to develop, implement, and sustain efficient, compliant, and scalable operations that meet FAA, state, and institutional standards.

The Assistant Director of Flight Safety and Operations serves as a senior leader and subject-matter authority on aviation safety, flight operations, and regulatory affairs—mentoring subordinate leaders, guiding policy interpretation, and representing NPUASTS in engagements with the FAA, state agencies, and industry partners. This role ensures that operational safety and effectiveness are strategically integrated into all organizational activities while maintaining readiness to act as executive leadership when required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Division Oversight
  • Provide strategic leadership, vision, and governance for NPUASTS operational and safety functions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, regulatory standards, and long-term growth objectives.
  • Develop and implement strategic operational and safety objectives consistent with organizational mission and FAA oversight requirements.
  • Oversee, direct, and lead work of subordinate managers ensuring coordination and efficiency across all operational programs.
  • Approve operational frameworks, staffing plans, and resource allocation decisions across flight and safety divisions.
  • Evaluate division performance metrics, reviewing outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and long-term operational excellence. 
  • Provide mentoring and direct supervision of Safety and Operations Division personnel. 
  • Promote a culture of safety within NPUASTS and oversee safety promotion within the Safety and Operations Division. 
  • Responsible for the safe execution of all UAS flight and range operations conducted and overseen by the NPUASTS. 
  • Ensure integration of safety management principles into all planning, testing, and flight operations activities.
  • Plan, organize, and manage project tasks of Safety and Operations Division to ensure tasks are accomplished in a timely and consistent manner with organizational or project requirements. 
  • Represent the organization with regulatory agencies, partner institutions, and industry groups to advocate for and influence aviation safety and operational policies. 
• Operational Planning, Resource Allocation, and System Integration
  • Provide executive oversight and approval for operational planning, systems integration, and resource management to ensure efficient and compliant mission execution across the organization. 
  • Approve operational concepts, execution plans, and scheduling developed by subordinate managers.
  • Direct integration of operational systems, airspace planning, and maintenance oversight to ensure capability alignment with mission requirements.
  • Approve the allocation and prioritization of assets, personnel, and budgets for mission execution. 
  • Coordinate with project management and business development teams to align operational capabilities with program needs.
  • Review and approve major operational proposals, waivers, and regulatory submissions prior to external submission. 
  • Lead operational readiness reviews and post-mission assessments to ensure lessons learned are captured and integrated. 
  • Apply data-driven methods to evaluate operational performance, cost efficiency, and risk exposure.
  • Represent and coordinate with stakeholders of the NPUASTS and Vantis.
  • Support the execution of program events such as conferences, summits, visitor requests, site visits, orientations, and community outreach. Travel as required. 
• Safety Management Systems and Compliance Governance
  • Direct the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive operational safety systems that proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risk. 
  • Responsible for facilitating all matters related to the safe conduct of operations such as airspace approval, airworthiness certification, and crew qualifications. 
  • Oversee the development of flight operations policies, procedures, and standards, to include the General Operations Manual or other appropriate manuals. 
  • Responsible for the development, maintenance, and documentation of procedures to ensure safe and efficient operations of all NPUASTS aircraft. 
  • Oversee the development and continuous refinement of the Safety Management System (SMS) and related safety assurance programs. 
  • Approve and monitor implementation of safety performance indicators and audit processes across operational divisions. 
  • Ensure compliance with FAA, state, and university safety regulations and reporting requirements. 
  • Supervise safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective-action implementation, ensuring traceability and documentation. 
  • Authorize risk mitigation measures and determine acceptable risk thresholds for operational activities. 
  • Oversee the design and delivery of safety and compliance training to all operational staff. 
  • Review incident, accident, and occurrence investigations; approve findings and ensure implementation of preventive actions. Ensure that Operations Division personnel have the necessary resources to perform the functions of their positions in compliance with applicable regulations. 
  • Oversee maintenance of equipment and facilities (including operations trailers and ensuring aircraft are in airworthy condition, safe and legal to fly). 
• Organizational Leadership and Staff Development/Other Duties as Assigned
  • Supervise, coach, and evaluate the UAS Operations Manager, Chief Pilot, Technical Operations Manager, and UAS Safety Manager, providing strategic guidance and performance feedback.
  • Approve employment, promotion, and disciplinary recommendations for division personnel. 
  • Establish division-wide performance standards, professional development goals, and succession planning strategies. 
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and regulatory excellence throughout the safety and operations team. 
  • Facilitate communication between executive leadership and operational teams, ensuring strategic clarity and shared accountability.
  • Champion diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in all workforce activities. 
  • Ability to work outside regular business hours to meet operational requirements.
  • Provide Subject Matter Expert support to the Vantis statewide network program.
  • Support Vantis statewide network program in accordance with other operational program and process duties. 
• As a UND employee, it is expected to treat one another and the public in a cordial, civil, and respectful manner and at all times, practice the principles of honesty, respect, integrity, and trust in order to respect the diversity of all peoples; communicate in a professional, positive and respectful manner; and exhibit ethical behavior. 

Required Competencies

• Strategic and Operational Leadership – Demonstrated ability to set vision, direct multi-division operations, and ensure strategic alignment with organizational priorities.
• Safety and Risk Governance – Expert in safety management systems (SMS), regulatory compliance, and operational risk mitigation strategies.
• Executive Communication and Influence – Skilled at providing strategic counsel to executive leadership and representing the organization in high-level discussions.
• People Leadership and Development – Lead and mentor managers and professional staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Operational Excellence – Proficient in developing and optimizing operational frameworks, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Regulatory and Compliance Acumen – Deep understanding of FAA, state, and institutional safety and operational policies and standards.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills – Uses data-driven analysis and professional judgment to make complex operational and safety decisions.
• Integrity and Accountability – Models ethical conduct, transparency, and ownership in all leadership and operational activities.

Minimum Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in an aviation related field
• Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) License
• Manned aircraft pilot license
• 6 years of UAS operations experience
• 4+ years of management experience supervising professionals or managerial staff
• Experience providing instruction to a prescribed quality or certification standard
• Experience developing UAS concepts of operation
• Experience developing operations manuals and standard operating procedures
• Experience developing training curriculums
• Experience acquiring advanced FAA approvals such as Part 107 waivers, and exemptions
• Proficient with Office365 applications
• Willingness and ability to travel, as required
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends, as required
• Valid Driver’s License
• Export Control Compliance:
  This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Person” (U.S. citizen,
  lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of aviation experience
• NPUASTS operational experience
• Master’s degree