Title: Executive Director for Strategic Research Initiatives
Agency: VP FOR RESEARCH
Location: Norfolk, VA
FLSA: Exempt
Hiring Range:
Full Time or Part Time:
Job Description:
To lead strategic research development initiatives that enhance the university’s competitiveness for external funding—particularly from federal agencies—by supporting complex proposal development, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, managing key research infrastructure, and aligning services with institutional research priorities. Minimum Qualifications:
1. Masters degree.
2. Comprehensive knowledge of federal research funding agencies (e.g., DoD, NSF, NIH, DOE), including proposal development process, sponsor engagement, regulations, and compliance.
3. Considerable knowledge of navigating complex academic environments, aligning services with institutional goals, and supporting high-impact research initiatives through effective coordination and partnership development.
4. Demonstrated strong operational leadership skills
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate precisely and effectively with multiple audiences.
6. Demonstrated skill in analyzing complex situations and making decisions aligned with organizational strategy.
7. Ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including faculty and external partners, and a proven ability to support interdisciplinary collaboration and team formation.
8. Ability to provide training and support to students and faculty.
9. Considerable experience in research and/or research development and proven leadership experience managing teams or cross-functional initiatives with increasing responsibility in a management/decision-making role.
10. Considerable experience with proposal development with demonstrated success in grant writing; strong track record in grant writing team leadership, strategic research development, and building external partnerships with federal agencies, industry, or philanthropic sponsors are essential.
Additional Considerations:
Prefer a PhD in in a science or research background.