Executive Director of Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR)

Make a difference at one of Florida’s premier institutions for education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Florida Polytechnic University, ranked the No. 1 public college in the region by U.S. News and World Report, offers a unique working environment that encourages faculty and staff to be part of a culture that prizes collaboration, innovation, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure our students and University succeed. Florida Poly offers a small campus academic environment where students form connections with their faculty and peers as they pursue high-value degrees in engineering and applied sciences.

The University is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and equipment and two award-winning, architecturally distinct academic buildings. Its evolving curriculum, designed to meet the needs of industry and provide a life-long educational foundation for students, has helped the institution grow in prominence since its opening in 2014. Florida Poly’s deliberately small classes, affordability, and outstanding graduate outcomes have helped it earn recognitions such as being named a top value school, in the top 25 nationally for affordability, and in the top five best universities in the South for tech students. Accredited by ABET and SACSCOC, Florida Poly is educating some of the brightest minds in Florida and attracting standout talent from across the nation.

   

JOB TITLE

   

Executive Director of Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR)

   

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

   

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Executive Director of Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research Institute (FIPR), Florida Polytechnic University will oversee FIPR's strategic direction, operational efficiency, and research impact by leading its strategic initiatives, promoting research excellence and cultivating partnerships across sectors.
Under the guidance of the University’s Provost, the FIPR Executive Director will also play a key role in integrating FIPR’s operation and research into the overall mission of the University by working with its leadership and various departments. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong research background, excellent managerial skills, and the ability to foster innovation and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership:

o Develop and implement a forward-looking vision that aligns with the University's mission and FIPR’s mandates under the Florida statute, as well as FIPR’s goals and growth objectives.
o Set strategic priorities and lead the development of innovative research agendas, programs and projects.
o Keep and further foster FIPR’s momentum of research collaboration with national labs and top universities on recovery of critical elements from phosphate processing.

Research Excellence:

o Oversee the design, execution and evaluation of applied research initiatives, ensuring high standards of scientific rigor and relevance to industry or societal needs.
o Promote a culture of research excellence and innovation, ensuring FIPR is a leader in the fields of phosphate processing, recovery of rare earth elements from phosphate mining byproducts and wastes, utilization of phosphogypsum and process water treatment.
o Seek, obtain, and fulfill state and federal grants to ensure FIPR’s long-term growth and vibrant research programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development:

o Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including phosphate companies in Florida and beyond, the environmental community, local governments and government agencies and local community organizations.
o Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship, and partnership to support research and programmatic activities.

Resource Management & Sustainability:

o Oversee the institute’s financial health by ensuring efficient use of resources, identifying funding opportunities, and securing financial support through legislative appropriations, grants, technology licenses and partnerships.
o Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial reports in collaboration with finance teams.
o Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory, and ethical standards.

   

JOB DESCRIPTION

   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in an applied science or engineering-related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a research-oriented or academic organization, with a track record of leading successful research programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in an applied