Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program Manager

About the role

The Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program Manager is responsible for managing the deployment and ongoing success of DFR programs for public safety agencies. This role leads program implementation from initial assessment and operational planning through training, launch, and post-deployment support.

They will act as the primary point of contact for agency stakeholders and will work closely with public safety leadership, drone operators, regulatory authorities, technology partners, and internal teams to coordinate deployments, address operational challenges, and ensure program objectives are achieved.

This role combines program management, customer success, aviation expertise, public safety consulting, and cross-functional leadership to drive successful outcomes and maximize the value of DFR technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end implementation of DFR programs, including planning, deployment, launch, and post-deployment support.
• Manage project timelines, resources, risks, and customer deliverables across multiple concurrent deployments.
• Serve as the primary customer contact and coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution.
• Track program outcomes, lead operational reviews, and develop scalable implementation best practices.
• Partner with public safety agencies to assess readiness and develop DFR operational strategies.
• Advise on staffing, workflows, dispatch integration, policy development, governance, and risk management.
• Facilitate executive briefings, stakeholder workshops, and planning sessions.
• Develop and maintain implementation playbooks, SOPs, deployment documentation, and standardized processes.
• Coordinate site assessments, testing, flight validation, and launch readiness activities.
• Ensure deployments meet customer requirements, quality standards, and operational objectives.
• Guide agencies on FAA requirements, waiver processes, and DFR operational compliance.
• Serve as the internal SME for DFR operations and implementation best practices.
• Support customer demonstrations, pilot programs, technical evaluations, and pre-sales activities.
• Capture customer feedback and operational insights to inform product development.

Qualifications

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (Required)
• Bachelor's degree in Aviation, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Public Administration, or related field (preferred)
• 6+ years of experience in UAS operations, aviation, public safety technology, or enterprise drone programs.
• Minimum 3 years managing complex customer implementations or operational programs.
• Experience implementing or operating Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs strongly preferred.
• Experience working with law enforcement, fire service, emergency management, or public safety organizations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience leading customer-facing deployments and executive-level communications.
• Ability to travel throughout North America (40–50%). Travel includes customer implementations, executive meetings, conferences, operational assessments, and launch support.