Director, National Security Initiatives

Director, National Security Initiatives Posting Number req
26291 Department Research Development Services Department Website Link (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

Research Development Services at the University of Arizona is in search of a Director, National Security Initiatives. The Director, National Security Initiatives serves as the University of Arizona's business development officer for national security-related research. Operating within the Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) with a matrixed reporting line to the Kyl Institute for National Security, this position leads strategic engagement with the Department of War (including the Army, Navy, Space Force, and Air Force), National Laboratories (e.g., Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore), the Intelligence Community, and private-sector defense and aerospace industry partners.

The Director cultivates and manages relationships that translate into sponsored research agreements, classified research programs, cooperative research arrangements, and large-scale federal contracts in support of the University's research mission and national security competitiveness. Research Development Services (RDS) is here to help U of A researchers facilitate effective and funded research collaborations.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position will require the ability to travel.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development & Relationship Management

* Lead business development activities targeting the Department of War (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and related DoW components.

* Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with defense-portions of National Laboratory partners (Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Argonne, and others) to develop joint research programs, user agreements, and cooperative R&D arrangements (CRADAs).

* Identify and pursue new research sponsorship opportunities with defense-related industry partners (prime contractors, technology companies, aerospace and defense firms) and convert prospects into funded research agreements.

* Represent the University at national security conferences, industry days, Congressional briefings, and defense community events to build institutional visibility and research pipeline.

* Develop and execute annual business development plans with clear pipeline metrics, win targets, and sponsor engagement schedules; report progress to SVP for Research and Kyl Institute leadership.

Sensitive Research Portfolio Management

* Serve as the University point of contact for sponsored research involving classified, controlled unclassified information (CUI), and export-controlled (ITAR/EAR) research programs.

* Coordinate with the U of A Facility Security Officer (FSO), the Office of Export Controls, and Research Compliance to ensure all classified research proposals and awards comply with applicable federal regulations, security requirements, and university policy.

* Ensure, in coordination with the Kyl Institute and the Research Security Office, the development and maintenance of facility clearance (FCL) infrastructure, including collaboration with federal oversight bodies on secure facility requirements.

* Manage relationships with DoD program managers and contracting officers for active classified research contracts and ensure seamless transition from business development to award execution.

Program Strategy & Proposal Development

* Direct the development and preparation of white papers,…