Director, Earth from Space Institute

at  Universities Space Research Association

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has established an independent research Institute dedicated to the study of Earth from Space. The Institute continues to seek and attract funding from private and public sources, including foundations and corporate sponsors, collaborating with Federal agencies, universities, and other research centers and institutes to support its research activities. The Institute will bring together diverse and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and applied practitioners focused on Earth system science and applications to the benefit of our Nation and the world, as enabled by space-based observations.
The Director of the Earth from Space Institute (EfSI) is responsible for the management of the Institute and its scientists. This includes developing and implementing the vision and strategy to achieve the EfSI purpose, which includes interfacing science and environmental/Earth science information with a wide portfolio of stakeholders, utilizing a science-based, science-informed approach to inform progress on sustainable development targets, and working with and strengthening public sector industry and philanthropic engagement. The Director engages with federal partners to strengthen the value to stakeholders and the public of government investments in environmental science and technology. The Director is responsible for recruiting and managing a diverse scientific team, communicating its activities broadly, writing award-winning competitive grant proposals for support from private and federal sources, initiating studies to inform government agencies and the public decision-making, and leading symposia and workshops to bring together scientists and decision-makers to build greater resilience in communities affected by changes in the Earth system including natural disasters and other environmental extremes.

EDUCATION:

PhD in related scientific or technical fields and demonstrated scientific and technical leadership in Earth system science and applications preferred.

Experience:

• At least 10-15 years’ research in an Earth system science with a major focus on Earth observations from space and their use for science and application.
• Experience with satellite remote sensing technologies, Earth science applications, Earth system modeling, and data science.
• Demonstrated experience leading scientific and technical teams.
• Recognized international reputation in some aspect of Earth system science.
• Experience writing competitive grant proposals resulting in winning awards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of project scheduling tools and management.
• Familiarity with space and airborne remote sensing platforms and techniques.
• Ability to leverage emerging technologies from commercial space sectors including data science methods.

• Responsible for sustaining the vision of the Earth from Space Institute, and day-to-day management, technical direction, and oversight of the Institute and its staff.
• Maintains visibility with stakeholders and initiates studies that bring together diverse and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers and practitioners focused on Earth system science and applications topics enabled by space-based observations.
• Recognizes and leverages the Institute’s strengths to identify new opportunities and applications within the scope of the program and in consultation with appropriate stakeholders.
• Assist in fundraising endeavors from both private and public sources to achieve the Institute’s strategic goals independently and in collaboration with universities and other research organizations.
• Staffs the USRA-sponsored Earth from Space Science Council and derives insight from a range of academic community perspectives.
• Organizes annual meetings and symposia to bring scientific and technical communities together in a collaborative forum to exchange scientific results, form collaborations, and inform decision-makers.
• Leverages the 121-member University Association of National and International Academic Institutions through participation and leadership in scientific, technical, and organizational reviews and advisory panels.
• Works with the Institute’s world-class Scientific Visualization Team to communicate knowledge and understanding of the Earth system to assist decision-makers for societal benefit.
• Meets financial objectives by forecasting requirements; works with an experienced integrated business team to prepare an annual budget; schedules expenditures; analyzes variances; and initiates corrective actions to ensure EfSI continues to grow as a vibrant research institute.
• Ensures compliance with USRA corporate policies and procedures.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.