Executive Director for the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a qualified innovative individual with extensive leadership and management experience to serve as Director for its multidisciplinary Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences (DEES). The primary functions of the DEES Executive Director are to manage the division and support, facilitate, and help expand research programs. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with DEES faculty located on both campuses. The position can be based at either campus and requires routine travel to the other campus. Note: Travel is currently restricted due to COVID_19 and will resume between the two campuses after travel is deemed safe.

The successful candidate is expected to lead the growth and development of the division and will: 1) work with faculty to increase research funding; 2) facilitate the development and funding of new programs, sustainment, and growth of current teams and programs, including collaborations within DRI, other NSHE Institutions and external collaborators; 3) recruit and mentor new faculty and staff, help ensure retention of existing faculty and staff, and provide career support for faculty and staff, and 4) provide leadership and oversight of DEES resources.

The Division is afforded autonomy in the allocation of funds for growth and development, which the DEES Executive Director oversees. Similarly, a successful candidate will have discretion on how the responsibilities below are materialized and accomplished (see the full position description for the complete list of management and division, research program, and leadership and mentorship responsibilities):

• Effectively manage the division.
• Work with the Division Business Manager to establish revenue projections, set budget priorities, allocate division funds, and coordinate fiscal affairs with the Financial Services Office.
• Participate in the overall planning for DEES infrastructure sustainability in collaboration with programs, laboratories, facility directors, and division business staff.
• Provide support to faculty to assist with new research program development. Explore new areas of research that support the strengths of the Division and Institute, as well as expand current strengths.
• Network with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients; build teams and collaborations within and outside DRI.
• Be an excellent internal and external advocate for the capabilities and accomplishments of DEES faculty.
• Mentor directly, or provide mentorship opportunities, for faculty and staff.
• Provide opportunities for professional growth to further build skills in proposal development, grant writing and other forms of acquiring funding.

 Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a broad understanding of the DEES research topic areas (see “About the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences” below).
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience, e.g., building multidisciplinary research teams and programs.
• Demonstrated experience with externally sponsored research and record of successful extramural fundraising, research project execution, and delivery of expected results and products.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• A Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution is preferred.

The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs (as defined in 10 CFR 707.4) as well as satisfactory credit, criminal, and background investigations.

DEES supports a highly diversified research portfolio with faculty from a wide variety of scientific backgrounds. Research programs within DEES vary substantially in size and specialization level, spanning from short-duration, single principal investigator led basic research projects to multi-year, team programs directed by faculty. Research interests include anthropology, archaeology, informatics, cultural heritage management, ecosystem ecology, paleoecology, STEM education and workforce development, human genomics, environmental impact on human health, population health, geochronology, molecular and microbial biology, process geomorphology, quaternary geology, remote sensing, soil science, spatial modeling and GIS, and wildlife biology.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately online. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed. Applications will be treated confidentially until the final stages of the search process. References will be contacted at a later date with the permission of the applicant.

For more detailed information about DRI, DRI faculty, and research projects and publications, please visit us at https://www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position, please call the recruiting office at 775-673-7332.

DRI is an AA/EEO employer who gives consideration in employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Individuals with disabilities or protected veteran status are encouraged to apply.