Salary/Position Classification

• $120,000+ dependent on experience, Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability: Yes

Purpose of Position

The Executive Director for the Institute reports directly to the VP for Research & Economic Development and serves as the leader and proponent for RIAS. The position interacts directly with the Associate Vice President for Research—National Security. This position will play a crucial role in the continued growth of the RIAS mission. The Executive Director leads development of relationships and opportunities (partnerships) associated with AS, leads development of AS strategy, and leads development of opportunities (project-driven) and oversees project performance.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop Relationships/Partnerships in Autonomous Systems
  • Develop strong research and business relationships within and beyond the North Dakota uncrewed and autonomous ecosystem.
  • Connect University faculty, staff, students, resources and infrastructure with local, regional, national and international government agencies and businesses in order to continue to grow North Dakota’s uncrewed and autonomous industry.
  • Increase research revenues by leveraging the University’s uncrewed and autonomous expertise.
  • Establish and grow strong research relationships with federal civilian and defense agencies leading to large funding opportunities.
  • Maintain and expand strong relationships with state government, including the Department of Commerce.
  • Develop strong university-private sector partnerships.
  • Help to drive autonomous company formation, recruitment/relocation and retention of companies in the Grand Forks region.
  • Build university-government and university-business partnerships by matching university assets in basic and applied research, technology development and workforce development with government and industry needs, leading to substantial increases in research funding.
• Opportunity Development and Project Leadership
  • Lead opportunity development--identify opportunities, organize teams, and drive efforts to prepare proposals for multidisciplinary opportunities related to autonomous systems.
  • Drive RIAS success by ensuring delivery of quality, on-time products to stakeholders.
  • Oversee project performance and support production of project deliverables when appropriate.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulations and contracts. 
• Lead Central University Autonomous Systems Strategy & Activities
  • Work within VPRED and across relevant college leadership and faculty to develop and execute a coordinated Autonomous Systems research strategy.
  • Work closely with all University faculty and staff to coordinate activities for maximum efficiency and impact.
  • Work with Institute technical leads to enhance collaboration between the different functions of RIAS. 
• RIAS Leadership
  • Provide day-to-day leadership of RIAS, including:
    • Management of personnel
    • Management of resources
    • Working with VPRED leadership and the RIAS team to develop strategies that enhance the RIAS mission, including:
      • RIAS promotion (in-reach within UND and outreach)
      • Identification and attendance of local, national, and international meetings to support the RIAS mission
      • Development and management of RIAS personnel and resources 

Required Competencies

• Accurate attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective communication; both verbally and written
• Work respectfully with University faculty, staff and external partners
• Excellent problem-solving skills and critical analyses abilities 
• Ability to travel.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a related technical or business discipline.
• Experience in the uncrewed and autonomous industry, including industry technology, policy, and workforce needs.
• Existing relationships with uncrewed/autonomous systems companies, government agencies, etc.
• Experience with developing partnerships (both within an organization and with external entities).
• Experience with developing strategy/strategic planning.
• Experience with federal funding agencies, both civilian and defense.
• Experience leading teams/organizations (managing personnel and resources, developing strategy, etc.).
• Export Control Compliance: This position requires compliance with U.S. government export control laws and regulations. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirements of being a "U.S. Person" (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.1324b (a)(3)). UND will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position. Information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws and will be sued in compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Terminal degree in applicant’s field or 5 years of experience beyond the Master’s degree.
• 5+ years experience in the uncrewed and autonomous industry 
• 5+ years experience with developing partnerships 
• Proven track record of developing, implementing, and realizing a strategy/strategic plan.
• 5+ years experience with federal funding agencies 
• Experience with leading proposal development (including multidisciplinary teams).
• 5+ years experience leading teams/organizations

To Apply

Submit a resume or CV and cover letter detailing how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any preferred requirements to support your qualifications.