SGAC is seeking a Deputy Manager for the SGx2026

The Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) is seeking a professionally qualified young space leader to join the SGAC as the SGx2026 Deputy Manager. Join our team to make the 10th SGx event the best one yet!

Deadline for applications: 31 July 2025, 23:59 (GMT)

About the SGAC

The Space Generation Advisory Council, in support of the United Nations Program on Space Applications, is a non-governmental organization and professional network, whose goal is to convey the perspectives of students and young space professionals to the United Nations, space industry, space agencies, and academia.

About the SGx2026 & ASCEND

SGx2026 will take place in Washington, D.C., USA in May 2026 in conjunction with ASCEND 2026 and in partnership with Future Space Leaders Foundation (FSLF). SGx brings together a community of space enthusiasts, students, young professionals to engage with seasoned industry executives and government leaders on a wide range of most relevant topics in the space industry today.

ASCEND is the world’s premier outcomes-focused, interdisciplinary space event designed to accelerate building our off-world future. It’s where bold ideas and perspectives are shared, industry challenges are solved, and opportunities are realized.

SGx2026 Deputy Manager Responsibilities

The SGx2026 Deputy Manager plays a key role in the planning, coordination, and execution of the 10th SGx event. Working closely with the SGx2026 Manager, this individual will help ensure all logistical and operational aspects of events run smoothly. This includes working with & managing a team of volunteers supporting programming, career development, communications & PR, logistics areas of the event. Deputy Manager will also work closely with the Manager with event sponsors, partners & the SGAC leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in managing a team, executing a global event strategy, and developing leadership skills while contributing meaningfully to the Space Generation Advisory Council mission & making connections with space industry leaders from the commercial and government sectors.

The SGx2026 Deputy Manager will work together with the SGx2026 Manager in the preparation of the logistics and overall management of SGx2026. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist the SGx Manager in evaluating applications and selecting the SGx2026 organizing team
• Support and lead team meetings as delegated by the SGx Manager; assume Manager responsibilities as delegated if the SGx Manager is unavailable. Assist in the event decision making and management
• Maintain clear communication with the Event Manager & the Organizing Team and report progress or concerns
• Assist in developing and executing detailed event plans, timelines, and checklists
• Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, venue staff, and other stakeholders
• Help foster relationships with companies and organizations for potential sponsorship collaborations
• Help identify opportunities for outreach, engagement, and partnerships with other organizations and companies to increase participation and visibility of the SGx
• Create and maintain reports, schedules, budgets, and other documents as directed by the SGx Manager and in collaboration with the SGx organizing team when appropriate
• Monitor activities leading up to the event and help manage on-site event activities in person in Washington D.C. to ensure smooth operations and troubleshoot issues as they arise
• Review lessons learned from previous SGx events to identify areas of improvement. Contribute to post-event surveys & evaluations.
• Note challenges encountered and best practices for future SGx events

The SGx2026 Deputy Manager will report to the SGx2026 Manager and work closely with the SGAC Executive Director and SGAC Chairs. The SGx2026 Deputy Manager will become part of the SGAC Executive Committee (as an appointed member).

Upon successful performance in this role, as assessed by the SGAC Executive Director and Chairs, the SGx2026 Deputy Manager may be promoted to become the SGx2027 Manager at the conclusion of the 2026 event. SGx2026 Deputy Manager will be mentored and provided with support by the outgoing manager, as well as the Executive Director and Chairs.

Estimated time commitment: on average 10 hours a week, ramping up to 15 hours a week closer to the event + 2 days of in-person support at the SGx2026 in Washington, D.C. It is highly desired that the Deputy Manager is able to arrive one day early for setup and other SGx preparation activities. SGx2026 Deputy Manager will receive a complimentary pass to attend ASCEND 2026.

Necessary Qualifications

• SGAC membership: registration on the SGAC website
• and between 18 and 35 years old by the end of SGx2026 (May 21, 2026). The age limit is calculated from the 18th birthday to the 36th birthday of the applicant;
• Ability to work in a fast paced, quick turnaround international environment and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of work;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Effective communications & active listening skills
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing circumstances
• Able to commit to scheduled planning meetings and event dates
• Cross-cultural awareness: ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with people from various international and cultural backgrounds
• Experience in event planning or team coordination (preferred but not required) experience working with volunteers is desirable. Previous event management experience is highly desirable
• Experience/familiarity with the space sector
• Awareness of international cooperation principles, concepts and techniques
• Strong working knowledge of computer applications, such as the Google Suite (including Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc), and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as collaborating tools such as Slack, Zoom, and Teams
• Professional Fluency (Speaking, Reading, and Writing) in English
• Web, Social Media and Media Design skills are a plus

Compensation

The successful applicant will receive:

• One (1) complimentary registration to SGx2026
• One (1) complimentary registration to ASCEND 2026

Note: this role is voluntary and unpaid. SGAC is not able to provide any additional financial assistance for travel, accommodation, and other expenses incurred. If the volunteer is unable to attend, none of the above mentioned benefits are transferable or redeemable for their retail value.

Benefits

SGAC is a unique, non-governmental, non-profit organisation that empowers its student and young professional members to engage directly with the international space community and influence the future of the space industry. As the SGx Deputy Manager, you will have direct contact with many top industry leaders, today’s next generation of space industry leaders, forming valuable connections and relationships that will amplify your space industry network. You will also have an opportunity to expand and learn a valuable set of skills in leadership, team management, communications, and event planning. Activities from SGx are presented to the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) at its annual general assembly meeting.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed.

Application Timeline

Review of applications and interviews will be done during the months of June and July.
The outcome of the application will be communicated at the end of July/beginning of August.