Director, Education Programs

Job Title: Director of Education Programs
Salary Range:Starting at $165,000 per year, commensurate with credentials and experience
Schedule: Full-time
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Supervisor: Chief of Staff

The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking applications for a Director of Education Programs to oversee NSRI’s education function and student talent-development initiatives.

The Director sets the direction, priorities, and long-term approach for education programs that connect K-12 and university students with national security research, learning, and career opportunities. This position will build a sustainable education portfolio aligned with NSRI’s mission while expanding opportunities for students to enter national security-related academic and professional pathways.

As the senior leader for the education function, the Director has overall accountability for program design and delivery, staff and resources, external partnerships, funding, performance, and growth. The position will guide assigned education staff and bring together NSRI researchers, educational institutions, government organizations, industry, and other partners to advance education initiatives.

A key responsibility is establishing a scalable student talent pipeline that begins with early engagement and progresses through learning, mentorship, academic opportunities, and pathways into national security careers.

The Director will also serve as NSRI’s principal education representative, cultivating relationships with school systems, higher-education institutions, government organizations, industry, community organizations, funding partners, and other stakeholders whose participation is important to the success and expansion of the education mission.

This position supports a new NSRI education initiative currently in development. Recruitment may proceed while we finalize program funding and implementation plans. Any employment offer will be contingent on confirmation of sufficient funding and final authorization to proceed with the program.

In alignment with our commitment to staff development and internal mobility, current NSRI employees will be given priority consideration for this vacancy, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Set the vision, priorities, and multi-year direction for NSRI’s education function in alignment with organizational priorities and national security talent needs.
• Maintain overall accountability for the education portfolio, including quality, execution, staffing and resource needs, financial sustainability, and results.
• Build and scale education initiatives that expand student access to national security research, technology, learning, and career opportunities.
• Supervise assigned education staff, establish performance expectations, and determine future staffing and capability needs as the function evolves.
• Guide the creation of educational content and learning experiences that translate complex national security subjects into age- and audience-appropriate programming.
• Establish and oversee a “Recruit, Train, Retain” student pathway connecting early engagement with continued academic and career-development opportunities.
• Cultivate partnerships with K-12 systems, colleges and universities, government organizations, industry, community groups, and other institutions that can extend the reach and effectiveness of NSRI’s education efforts.
• Serve as NSRI’s senior representative for education-related outreach and partnerships, engaging with senior leaders across education, government, academia, industry, and the community.
• Establi…