Director of Business Management and Strategic Initiatives

Department
 

PSD Chemistry: Faculty Support

About the Department
 

The NSF QuBBE Quantum Leap Challenge Institute is one of five National Quantum Centers funded by NSF. This institute seeks to develop Quantum Sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering and involves 23 faculty across four Universities. As we advance our scientific grand challenges, we are striving to promote workforce development across the South Side of Chicago.

Job Summary
 

The Director of Business Management and Strategic Initiatives with the NSF QuBBE Quantum Leap Challenge Institute will coordinate all program activities including outreach, research, and operations within the institute. The Director will actively drive convergent science by bringing scientists from disparate disciplines together to team effectively. The role requires scientific knowledge of quantum technology and/or quantum sensing and the ability to help position the QLCI for potential renewal. This position will partner with the center and PI, Greg Engel, to organize, develop, and coordinate all components of this project (research team coordination, external advisory committee meetings, community engagement, education, training, workforce development, seminar series, reporting, and outreach). Responsibilities include communicating with faculty, postdocs, students, participants, and staff to ensure that QLCI activities proceed optimally. This position will serve on the QLCI Executive Committee alongside faculty. The role requires a strong skillset in project administration and management, and the ability to adapt to a changing set of assignments and tasks associated with the initiatives of the QLCI. The individual will work closely with the QLCI Director and Executive Committee on various projects and support a wide range of QLCI Activities.

This position is expected to attend all bi-monthly working group meetings with NSF Staff and represent the University to NSF in these conversations. The position will be responsible for collecting and understanding the role of each faculty member’s research within the project as well as outreach activities. The administrator may work with the other National Quantum Centers across NSF, DOE, and DoD to plan joint events, coordinate outreach, and develop public relations strategies.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a liaison between the QLCI and various external agencies including NSF.

• Oversees capital equipment budget and participant support budgets for the QLCI.

• Works effectively across the University community including students, faculty, staff, and civic organizations to sustain clear and timely communication regarding programmatic events and activities.

• Performs grant-writing activities and conducts preliminary work for proposal renewal efforts.

• Develop and communicates program priorities and performance standards and assess operations using these criteria. Plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate.

• Independently drives administration and implementation of programs, initiatives, and convenings.

• Performs grant-writing activities and conducts preliminary work for proposal renewal efforts.

• Documents meetings/discussions and follows up on action items.

• Participates in live bi-monthly meetings with NSF program managers to represent the University’s progress within our QLCI.

• Plans external site visits for NSF Staff and Reviewers.

• Organize external advisory board meetings, and plan and prepares presentations for meetings.

• Facilitates the research group events pertaining to QLCI.

• Assists with other administrative projects as needed and acquires higher-level guidance and skills.

• Uses best practices to develop and execute the organization's operational and overall strategic plan. Develops and implements relevant policies and procedures and ensures compliance.

• Plans, develops, analyzes, and manages budget, including developing multi-year budget forecasts. May oversee the preparation and management of grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with all University, federal and private foundation guidelines and regulations. Develops financial reports and assists with seeking funding for grants.

• Works with minimal guidance in space, facilities, and equipment, including renovations, moves, maintenance, and ongoing facilities operations.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum req