Research Program Director

Department: Col of Engineering and Computing

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) has a reputation for high-level research in engineering and computing. The Associate Dean for Research Office in the College of Engineering and Computing leads and oversees CEC’s portfolio of research projects, fosters a community of researchers, develops strategic research plans that drive research funding and ensures high-quality research outputs, all while aligning with the organization's overall research goals and priorities.

The Associate Dean for Research Office strives to elevate the college’s research impact and advance the university’s mission as a leading R1 research institution, by implementing strategic research initiatives, upholding faculty research innovation and excellence, driving sustainable funding efforts, fostering industry and government partnership, and ensuring compliance with research best practices and regulations.

About the Position:

The Research Program Director supports the Associate Dean for Research (ADR) in executing the college’s research strategy and priorities, playing a pivotal role in advancing its research mission. This position supports research strategic programing, research and proposal development, interdisciplinary collaborations and faculty teaming, research center initiatives, industry and government partnerships, community outreach, and knowledge transfer. Working closely with CEC faculty, research staff, and external stakeholders, the Research Program Director initiates and supports cross-disciplinary efforts across the college, the university, and with other universities and partners. The position must work effectively with both individual and groups of faculty members and stakeholders to help them reach research and collaboration goals. Excellent program management and communications skills are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Supports the development of research centers within the college;
• Assists the CEC Associate Dean for Research with program management for the Center of Excellence in Government Cybersecurity Risk Management and Resilience and the AI-In-Gov Council;
• Supports and collaborates closely with the CEC Associate Dean for Research in support of the CEC research program;
• Facilitates transdisciplinary research teams in proposal development. Serves as a centralized grant writer and project manager on large center-like cross-disciplinary/community-engagement proposals (awards);
• Assists in the planning and execution of research-focused events;
• Facilitates any other CEC cross-disciplinary and community-engagement research events;
• Establishes and maintains partnerships with external stakeholders, including industry, government agencies, and research institutions;
• Collaborates with university communications and advancement teams to highlight research achievements and impact; enhances visibility of the college’s research;
• Supports the development of research reports, news releases, and outreach materials; and
• Performs additional duties in support of the Associate Dean for Research and the college’s research mission, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, applied sciences, or closely related field;
• Ten years of experience in research administration and research development in engineering and related fields in R-1 research institutions;
• Experience facilitating interdisciplinary or large-scale research initiatives in engineering and related fields;
• Experience collaborating with and mentoring faculty and students in research proposal development;
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding;
• Strong knowledge of research administration operations (certificates are welcome);
• Strong knowledge of research proposal development and budget process in engineering and related fields;
• Strong knowledge of federal and private research agencies and funding mechanisms; and
• Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and non-engineering discipl