NSII Institute Director

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Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Executive

The Office of the Vice President for Research seeks an Institute Director of the National Security Institute for Innovation (NSII) to provide strategic leadership for the University’s expanding portfolio of defense-related research, innovation, workforce development, and external partnerships that support U.S. national and global security priorities. The Institute Director will serve as UConn’s primary integrator and external-facing leader for national security activities, aligning the University’s research strengths with opportunities across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, other USG agencies, federal laboratories, state government, and industry.

By connecting the extensive current world-class research and innovation activities, which fall under the national security umbrella, and by strategically expanding these activities and funding opportunities in the future, the NSII will enhance the University’s research enterprise and reinforce UConn’s commitment to research that serves the public good.

Through this role, the Institute Director advances interdisciplinary research, strengthens applied and translational pathways, expands workforce development initiatives, and elevates UConn’s national visibility and impact within the security enterprise.

The Institute Director will work closely with colleges, institutes, and applied research entities across the University to advance UConn’s contributions to national and global security.

• Define and implement a cohesive vision and strategic roadmap for UConn’s national security initiatives.
• Align UConn’s national security research and innovation efforts with UConn’s institutional priorities, public mission, and economic development goals and the United States’ national security needs.
• Identify emerging security challenges and position UConn as a trusted, mission-focused partner to government and industry.
• Advise UConn on workforce development opportunities related to the national security sector.
• Foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary culture across colleges, centers, and external partners.
• Coordinate national security efforts across UConn to ensure alignment, efficiency, and strategic impact.
• Provide leadership, oversight, and supervision of both professional and administrative staff across multiple teams

• Build and sustain strong partnerships with: DOD and Military Services, Intelligence Community agencies, DHS and other federal and state agencies, national laboratories, Congressional staff, think tanks, industry and defense contractors; peer universities and consortia, etc.
• Serve as a key liaison for national security research and collaboration.
• Establish and engage UConn advisory boards composed of senior leaders from defense, intelligence, industry, academia, and alumni.
• Elevate UConn’s reputation and national visibility in relation to national security innovation to grow UConn’s federal advisory role and influence.

• Coordinate efforts to secure external funding, including federal research grants, cooperative agreements, and industry-sponsored research.
• Advance strategic initiatives that expand UConn’s role in applied research, technology transition, and workforce development.
• Collaborate with research development, advancement, and commercialization teams to maximize impact and sustainability.
• Initiate and support large-scale federal funding strategies.

• Support the development of policy-relevant research, white papers, and briefings for decision-makers.
• Define and drive NSII’s research agenda aligned with national security priorities (e.g., supply chain resilience, defense innovation, emerging technologies).
• Collaborate with UConn’s Governmental Relations and federal priorities staff.
• Represent UConn at national forums, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

• Promote and support…