Mission Area Executive, National Security Space Mission Area

Are you an inspirational leader looking to pioneer innovative space capabilities to advance our nation's security?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking an exceptional executive leader for the National Security Space Mission Area within the Space Exploration Sector.The Mission Area Executive (MAE) for the National Security Space (NSS) Mission Area provides executive leadership for the APL national security space community whose work includes creating novel analysis products, performing innovative test and evaluations, developing spaceflight hardware/software technologies, payloads and missions, and performing spaceflight operations and data analysis. The NSS MAE is responsible for managing relationships with sponsors and partners, developing and implementing the Mission Area's strategy, working with line management to ensure appropriate application of technical talent and resources to achieve our national security space objectives, ensuring quality execution and performance of NSS programs, building and mentoring diverse teams, and being a force for positive change, continuous improvement, and innovation. The NSS MAE is a key member of the Space Exploration Sector (SES) Executive Leadership Team who contributes to the development and implementation of the Sector vision and strategy and oversees execution of assigned Sector initiatives.

As the National Security Space Mission Area Executive, you will...

• Plan, develop and implement the NSS Mission Area vision and strategy, coordinate program investment, and execute impactful activities in a highly dynamic environment.
• Serve as the primary interface for, and establish long-term effective relationships with, senior government and military officials who sponsor or serve as key stakeholders for U.S. national security space activities.
• Manage and lead all programs assigned to the NSS Mission Area to ensure goals and objectives for NSS programs are effectively aligned with the needs of the nation. Ensure quality, cost and schedule objectives of all NSS Mission Area activities are met.
• Identify opportunities to leverage existing and emerging technologies and propose game-changing concepts and prototypes to advance U.S. national security space objectives.
• Serve as a member of the SES Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Participate in SES strategic and operational planning and prioritization functions, and oversee the execution of assigned priorities. Work collaboratively with the SES Managing Executive (ME) and Operations Executive (OE) and their respective organizations to facilitate NSS Mission Area success.
• Develop partnerships and execute national security space initiatives with other APL Mission Areas and Sectors. Participate as an active member of the APL ELT.
• Identify and provide justification for internal investments, develop and track overhead and portfolio development budgets, execute an innovative IRAD portfolio, identify the security, facility, and information technology requirements of all NSS programs across a broad range of classification levels.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentoring to the NSS Program Area Managers, Program Managers, and program teams. Coordinate and foster collaboration across the Program Areas to increase Mission Area effectiveness and impact.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a M.S. in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or other relevant discipline.
• Have a demonstrated ability to proactively and productively engage with senior government and military officials to identify and solve critical national security challenges.
• Have 20+ years of relevant experience in the national security space domain and demonstrated knowledge of current operational concepts, systems and capabilities relevant to the national security space domain.
• Successful project/program management experience managing large, complex technical programs equivalent to APL Program Management level.
• Exhibit highly effective communication skills and demonstrated ability to proactively and productively engage with senior government and military officials to identify and solve critical national challenges.
• Have excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Are a visionary and inspirational leader with a strategic perspective, effective at change management and conflict resolution. Are a collaborative team player who is results-oriented and skilled at developing a cadre of outstanding leaders.
• Have a demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful business strategies and a proven record of building successful program teams.
• Willing to take regular trips to sponsor offices, field sites, meetings and events at multiple destinations across the Continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...

• PhD in a STEM field.
• Director-level/program area management experience in national security space programs, and relevant supervisory experience.
• A current TS/SCI (+poly) clearance.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the Laboratory and/or relevant DoD or intelligence community experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and business practices of a University Affiliated Research Center.
• APL Program Manager experience at the Program Manager level or higher.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.