Director of Air Force and Unmanned Systems Strategy

Persistent Systems

1d•$171,000 - $218,000

About The Position

Persistent Systems is seeking a Director of Air Force and Unmanned Systems Strategy who will work directly for the VP of Growth & Strategy. This individual is responsible for developing strategic growth strategies for the Air Force and unmanned systems market space that align with the priority lines of effort established by the VP of Business Development and the Air Force and UxS team. These growth strategies will focus on mid to long-term programmatic efforts that are in development as well as existing programs of record. This position requires engagement with key stakeholders that are focused on the requirements generation and budgeting processes within the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers (AFLCMC), and the broader Integrated Air and Missile systems and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) communities.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.) required
10-15 years' experience with the US Air Force systems, C-UAS, or communications communities and relevant experience and knowledge of Air Force modernization efforts, AFLCMC, key program offices, and the requirements generation process
Experience in collaborating with defense industry partners and think tanks with a footprint in defense, government, or technology is a plus
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications from Defense Acquisition University (DAU), particularly Level II in a variety of domains
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with mid-level and senior executive Air Force leadership, decision-makers, program managers, and policy regulators across acquisition, requirements, and operations communities
Familiarity with DoD acquisitions and defense (DoD) regulations, including Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Air Force Instruction (AFI) 63-series guidance, and acquisition Category (ACAT) processes
Diplomacy and tact; firm in your convictions but sophisticated in the art of compromise
Can thrive in a team environment, while also taking responsibility and leading others
Ability to travel 25-30% of the time in the U.S. and the ability to travel internationally on occasion
An ability to work to organizational deadlines and KPIs
Applicant must have a United States Security Clearance or the ability to obtain a United States Security Clearance

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in engineering, business, or a related field
Prior military service as an Air Force acquisitions officer (63A), Combat System Officers (12RXX), Battle Manager (13XX), or related Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)
Prior experience interfacing with Air Force program offices, AFLCMC directorates, major commands (MAJCOMs), and unmanned program leadership
Strong understanding of acquisition/procurement processes within the Air Force C4ISR and unmanned systems communities, including familiarity with NETCENTS-2, GSA Schedules, and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) mechanisms
Experience with Agile acquisition pathways, Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authorities, or software-intensive program approaches
5+ years of experience in Sales/Business Development with a demonstrated track record of revenue growth in the defense technology sector
Familiarity with Air Force digital engineering initiatives, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) frameworks, and platform airworthiness certification processes

Responsibilities

In coordination with the Air Force team, develop strategic plans of action that support priority business lines of effort, goals, and objectives related to communications modernization, C-UAS integration, and resilient mesh networking for contested environments. Lead those team efforts to action the approved strategy
Build winning proposal responses to further strategic efforts including unsolicited white papers, requirements documents, and full proposal responses targeted at Air Force acquisition programs such as Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Joint Fires Network (JFN) and platform-specific weapon communications requirements
Collaborate with the VP of Government Relations to identify and develop shaping engagements that support the Air Force strategic business plan. Identify knowledge and placement gaps in support of priority LOEs across Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
Increase visibility of "positive use-cases" for Persistent Systems Wave Relay technology with key stakeholders in the Air Force, AFLCMC, and collaborative weapon communities, emphasizing resilient communications in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments
Work closely with the Business Development, Sales, Programs & Contracts teams to achieve long-term strategic outcomes of Air Force programs and efforts that cross other business verticals including joint multi-domain operations initiatives
Manage company projects corresponding to key initiatives in the Air Force unmanned systems community, including platform integration pathways for Wave Relay mesh networking on emerging collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programs
Advise and participate (as necessary) in coalitions, partnerships, and trade associations relevant to Air Force modernization, unmanned systems, and edge computing
Work with the cross-vertical Vice Presidents of Business Development, Program Management, and VP of Government Relations to align and leverage company messaging for managing narratives around Air Force tactical communications and unmanned systems requirements
Where appropriate, manage company relationships and initiatives with key senior Air Force leadership, program executive officers (PEOs), and program managers to ensure consistent messaging and synchronization for Air Force efforts