National Security Research Institute Executive Director

The University of Minnesota seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director (ED) of the National Security Research Institute (NSRI). NSRI is a new initiative designed to expand the University's role in advancing national security research, innovation, and workforce development.

NSRI is in an early stage of development. The foundational goals of the institute are to:

• Increase national security related research activity and external funding
• Broaden faculty engagement in defense and security research opportunities
• Build the infrastructure necessary to support long-term contributions to the nation's security mission.

The Executive Director is the chief executive and strategic leader of NSRI. This role will lead efforts to shape and grow NSRI from this foundation developing strategic direction, establishing early research wins, cultivating high value partnerships, and building campus capacity. The successful candidate will bring experience, credibility, and creativity to help define what NSRI becomes while working closely with University leadership and external stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to build a new, mission-driven research institute that aligns with national priorities and academic strengths.

The Executive Director will lead the NSRI and will be responsible for overseeing the institute's day-to-day operations including appointing staff, managing the budget, and serving as the primary representative of the institute in engagements with government agencies, industry, and the public. In consultation with the VPRI, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board, the ED shapes and steers the NSRI's strategic plan and prioritizes research focus areas and educational programming. The ED implements the strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management (40%)

• Develop and execute the strategic vision of the NSRI in alignment with university goals and national security priorities, subject to oversight by the VPRI, Governing Board and Faculty Advisory Board
• Position NSRI as a trusted partner for national security innovation, research, and training.
• Engage on a quarterly basis with the Governing Board and Faculty Advisory Board to guide program direction and ensure impact.
• Hire, develop, and supervise research project managers and administrative staff.
• Establish structure and operating practices that are fundamental to the success of the institute.
• Oversee internal processes, budget management, and resource allocation.

External Engagement and Partnership Development (25%)

• Serve as the primary liaison to federal agencies (DoD, DoE, DHS), industry partners, national labs, and research sponsors.
• Represent the NSRI nationally to elevate UMN's profile as a leader in national security innovation.
• Cultivate partnerships to support workforce development, sponsored research, and policy engagement.

Program Development and Research Oversight (20%)

• Identify and support high-risk, high-reward research projects aligned with national security missions.
• Ensure smooth execution of seed funding, proposal development, and technology transition pipelines.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across UMN colleges and departments.

Education and Workforce Development (10%)

• Advance education programs and outreach initiatives to prepare students and early-career researchers for careers in national security.
• Oversee lectures, workshops, and internship programs that connect UMN talent with government and industry stakeholders.

Governance, Compliance, and Ethics (5%)

• Ensure all NSRI activities align with university policies, federal regulations, and ethical standards.
• Report regularly on institute performance, key milestones, and impact metrics to the VPRI and Governing Board.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a field relevant to national security research (e.g., engineering, data science, cybersecurity).
• At least 12 years of experience in a leadership role within a national security-related organization (e.g., federal agency, research university, national lab, or defense contractor).
• Demonstrated track record of securing federal research funding and/or leading large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Extensive track record of successfully managing DARPA-style or similar mission-oriented R&D programs.
• History of successful management of University-Industry-Government collaborations.
• Strong professional network across DoD, DoE, DHS, and/or national labs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of the national security ecosystem, including federal R&D priorities, acquisition pathways, and policy trends.
• Demonstrated knowledge of export control, research security compliance, and secure facilities operations.

The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota will serve as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI will advance leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for the sponsor. NSRI will promote and sustain strategic partnerships with government agencies, DoD and national labs, defense-oriented entities, academia, and industry.

Pay Range: $250,000-$300,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).