Program and Strategy Co-Director for the Solinsky Challenge

Pay Range

USD $140,000.00 - USD $200,000.00 /Yr.

Overview

Clarkson University is seeking two collaborative and decisive leaders to serve as Directors of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge to operationalize and promote the portfolio of initiatives related to the recently-announced Ken ‘71 and Grace Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge. The Challenge has a focus on advanced manufacturing. The Solinsky’s $32M financial commitment to the Challenge represents the largest directed gift in the history of Clarkson University. The Solinsky Challenge will result in an $80M investment in engineering over the seven-year duration of the Challenge.

 

This investment will include an anticipated $48M expansion and renovation of the engineering building into the Solinsky Engineering Center and a portfolio of Solinsky Challenge advanced manufacturing initiatives including curricular and co-curricular innovation; expanding student engagement in manufacturing-related activities; advancing manufacturing research and technology transfer; significantly increasing Clarkson’s engagement and partnership with industry; and advancing the reputation and visibility of Clarkson’s engineering programs.

 

The Directors will work closely with the Dean of Engineering to operationalize and execute the Solinsky Challenge portfolio of advanced manufacturing programs. Success metrics include meeting program milestones; significantly increasing the number and effectiveness of the Solinsky Challenge industry-university and government-university partnerships; growing engineering enrollments; and enhancing the reputation of Clarkson Engineering as measured by US News and other rankings.

Candidates must have a proven history of successful engineering and/or business experience in the field of advanced manufacturing. A candidate with experience primarily in academia may be considered if their academic experience includes a national profile of leadership in manufacturing and a proven ability to work effectively with industry and government to advance and grow university/industry/government partnerships.

Candidates must be passionate about better preparing engineering graduates to enter the engineering workforce and advancing the economic vitality of the region, state, and nation by regaining US pre-eminence in manufacturing. The industry experience of the Directors should complement the academic experience of the Clarkson faculty to ensure the goals of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenges are aligned with both academic and industry needs. The industry experience of the two Directors should also be complementary.

These senior leadership positions report to the Dean of Engineering who is responsible for the overall management of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge.

 

Responsibilities

Program execution and support:

Executing the Solinsky program portfolio assigned to the Director.Working with the Dean, Advisory Boards, and other Solinsky Challenge stakeholders to continuously refine, communicate, and advance Clarkson’s advanced manufacturing vision.Supporting the Solinsky Engineering Center expansion and renovation capital project to ensure that the building design supports the Solinsky challenge programs and the educational and industry-engagement vision.Developing and implementing strategies to accelerate and increase university technology transfer in areas related to advanced manufacturing.Identifying and leading a variety of thought-leadership activities related to advancing regional and US manufacturing that also will enhance the visibility and reputation of Clarkson University. These may include colloquia, workshops, or roundtables focused on niche areas in advanced manufacturing.Supporting the Dean in the preparation of progress reports and presentations to donors, advisory board members and other stakeholders.Provide guidance and support to the development of the school of engineering and departmental strategic plan development and execution by working with the Deans, Department Chairs and faculty.Developing proposals and strategies for new initiatives that are aligned with the Solinsky Challenge vision.Travel to meet with prospective industry and government partners is expected.

 

Business Development responsibilities:

Growing Clarkson’s network of engaged government, industry, and alumni partners.Identifying, supporting, and pursuing economic development opportunities aligned with the Solinsky Challenge.Identifying, pursuing, and securing funding for advanced manufacturing projects and research in areas of strategic importance to the university.Securing financial support from industry for targeted Challenge initiatives.Supporting matching fundraising efforts with individuals and foundations.Leading and/or supporting proposal efforts related to the Solinsky Ch