Director of Programs
Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.
Position Summary: Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of Programs plans and oversees ongoing programmatic excellence to ensure alignment with company goals. The role coordinates the delivery of services among the different program activities to increase effectiveness and develops new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the organization.
The Director of Programs oversees the Programs Department in executing government and commercial programs, administering and carrying out program requirements.
Location: This position is based in Anchorage, AK. Work is performed on-site, with occasional work-related travel to customer locations, other operational sites, and business-related locations in support of program activities and organizational needs.
Primary Job Responsibilities
1. Develop and execute the overall program strategy for the program portfolio, ensuring alignment with company goals, executive direction, customer requirements, and national defense or critical infrastructure priorities.
2. Oversee the full program lifecycle from concept, business case development, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
3. Manage interdependencies between programs to optimize resource allocation, resolve competing priorities, and support effective program execution.
4. Develop, manage, and forecast multi-million-dollar program budgets, ensuring fiscal discipline, alignment with funding priorities, and timely reporting of financial status, risks, and resource needs.
5. Prepare and present program, financial, and performance reports to executive leadership, program teams, government agencies, and commercial customers.
6. Serve as a primary liaison between executive leadership, program teams, government agencies, and commercial customers.
7. Identify, assess, and mitigate program-level risks that could impact timelines, budgets, or compliance with federal or state regulations.
8. Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of program managers, program integrators, project analysts, and compliance personnel.
9. Drive organizational change related to new programs, processes, technologies, systems, compliance requirements, or strategic initiatives.
10. Monitor and evaluate program performance against established key performance indicators and provide regular, transparent updates to stakeholders on status, risks, and outcomes.
11. Provide regular and transparent updates on program status, risks, issues, decisions, corrective actions, and outcomes.
12. Define and implement program management methodologies, standards, and best practices, to improve efficiency and compliance.
13. Evaluate and recommend opportunities for program expansion or optimization within defense and critical infrastructure sectors.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, able to work with all levels of employees and management within the organization.
Strong leadership and demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to interpret and apply company policies, contract requirements, customer requirements, program requirements, and applicable federal or state regulations.
Ability to understand, protect, and appropriately handle confidential business information, controlled information, government-sensitive information, and classified information.
Ability to analyze complex program issues, identify risks, evaluate options, and recommend or implement effective solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including ability to use basic computer systems, email, digital timekeeping, and other company systems as required.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgement, discretion, and problem-solving skills in support of program objectives.
Ability to multi-task in a very dynamic and complex aerospace environment.
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field. Graduate Degree with 15 years’ experience preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered where appropriate.
A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, government contracting, aerospace, defense, critical infrastructure, or a related technical environment.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary programs.
Demonstrated experience managing or growing high-value, large-scale program or portfolios.
Experience with business development, capture support, new program standup, or managing emerging high-complexity programs in a growth environment preferred.
Demonstrated track record of customer relationship management experience resulting in contract expansion or follow-on work preferred.
Experience with Deltek Costpoint or similar enterprise resource planning, project accounting, or program financial management systems preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position operates primarily in an office environment with extended periods of sitting and computer use. Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be required. Occasional travel to company facilities, operational sites, or business-related locations may be required depending on organizational needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises assigned staff and provides direction to project teams, contractors, or cross-functional stakeholders. Responsibilities may include planning and assigning work, setting priorities, monitoring performance and work quality, providing coaching and feedback, supporting training and development, addressing performance concerns in coordination with management and Human Resources, and ensuring work is completed in alignment with program objectives, schedules, budgets, and organizational standards.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by mission campaigns, as applicable.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Compensation
A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.
To Apply
Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to aaccareers@akaerospace.com. Professional references required. We recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification and encourage applicants with relevant experience, transferable skills, and interest in the role to apply. For questions call (907) 413-2301. This position will remain open until filled.