ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, RESEARCH

Assistant Director, Research

Arizona State University

Global Security Initiative

Campus: Tempe

71309BR

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Director of Strategy, drives strategic level engagements for the university with defense and security research sponsoring organizations, including the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and the Department of Homeland Security. This person will work closely with Global Security Initiative leadership and the broader ASU research enterprise to increase ASU’s defense and security research portfolio. Works closely with faculty to secure large-scale research projects; helps develop and refine research concepts and funding proposals to ensure they are matching the needs of sponsor organizations. Develops and sustains strong working relationships with target sponsor organizations, faculty in ASU and with other universities, and relevant industry partners. Proactively identifies future research opportunity areas, and stays abreast of the national research agenda and federal defense and security strategies

Salary Range

$85,000 - $110,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

13-September-2021

Essential Duties

• Works closely with GSI leadership to develop and execute research growth strategy
• Develops strong relationships and regular channels of communication at the appropriate level with target sponsoring organizations, including DARPA, ONR, ARL, AFRL, etc. 
• Works with GSI leadership to expand the pool of ASU faculty engaging in defense, intelligence and security-related research
• Identifies ASU strengths and capabilities in research areas, and matches them with needs of defense and security research organizations
• Reviews and provides feedback on research proposals, ensuring they align with sponsoring organization’s mission and goals
• Leads funding opportunity information sessions for prospective principle investigators
• Regularly tracks GSI and ASU growth metrics and reports on progress. Identifies and communicates issues early enough to be addressed
• Develops strong connections across the ASU research ecosystem, and engages with other units as appropriate
• Supervises staff as assigned by the Director of Strategy
• Represents GSI at meetings and conferences
• Tracks execution and administration of sponsored awards to ensure they are achieving goals. Works with faculty and staff to identify problem areas and address them
• Support GSI efforts aimed at broadening diversity in security and defense research and education within GSI and throughout the university.
• Plans, designs, and executes projects as assigned by leadership.
• Builds relationships with internal and external contacts to facilitate partnerships.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND five (5) years of related administrative experience, which includes two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR, Nine (9) years of related administrative experience, which includes two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Employee must possess a valid US Drivers license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.

Desired Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of the Department of Defense research and development ecosystem
• Experience designing, leading, or contributing to technical research projects
• Evidence of a background in a relevant technical area (computer science, engineering, cognitive psychology, chemistry, etc.)
• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of broad department research strategy and how it integrates into Center activities and growth opportunities
• Experience in prioritizing the working rhythms of the core faculty with a holistic understanding of their support and research needs
• Experience in managing multiple responsibilities and projects at the same time
• Experience in judgment to determine priorities and which tasks require immediate attention and which can wait
• Experience in building strong professional relationships through collaboration and influence without authority
• Evidence of effective professional written and verbal communication; flexible communication style based on context and audience
• Experience in switching tasks, projects, and responsibilities quickly
• Experience in problem solving, innovative solutions, and adaptability

Working Environment

Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being stationary and moving between office spaces. Position requires use of computer (desktop and/or laptop). Ability to clearly communicate in English, read, write, and use a diversity of technologies to communicate with the broader team. Regular review of completed tasks.

Department Statement

The Global Security Initiative (GSI) is a university-wide hub for security-focused interdisciplinary research. We produce mission-relevant approaches and decision support tools to address some of the world’s most complicated and vexing security challenges. 

GSI is home to the Center for Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, the Center for Human, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotic Teaming, the Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (A Dept. of Homeland Security Center of Excellence), the Center for Narrative, Disinformation and Strategic Influence, and ASU’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Working Group. GSI also conducts educational programming aimed at enhancing the pipeline of science, technology, engineering and math talent for national security.

GSI serves as ASU’s primary interface with the Department of Defense, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and the Department of Homeland Security.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

To apply please go to www.asu.edu/asujobs/ see Req Id# 71309BR

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