Executive Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences

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Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the non-profit environmental research institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), is seeking a qualified individual to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS). The primary function of the DAS Executive Director is to support, facilitate, initiate, and expand Division faculty research through management and program development initiatives that augment and enhance the Division’s faculty generated revenues and multidisciplinary research. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with the majority of DAS faculty located in Reno. The position is based in Reno and will require periodic travel to Las Vegas.
The successful candidate will: 1) perform oversight of DAS personnel; 2) provide career coaching, support and recruitment of DAS personnel; 3) work with faculty to maintain and grow the existing portfolio of DAS research projects and programs; 4) identify new opportunities and initiate new lines of business by leveraging existing capabilities and engaging with potential sponsors of future research, and 5) provide leadership and oversight of DAS resources.
DRI values leadership skills. These are important for the candidate’s success in this position and include the ability to communicate with a broad range of audiences, listen with empathy and interest, and work collaboratively in various team settings.
Leadership, Management, and Division Responsibilities
Effectively manage DAS personnel, including maintaining healthy and collaborative inter-personal interactions, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending faculty for promotions and awards.
Implement strategies for sustaining and developing research programs and targeted hiring for strategic research expansion areas.
Be an excellent internal and external advocate for the capabilities and accomplishments of DAS faculty.
Work with the Division Business Administration and Financial Services Office to establish revenue projections and set budget priorities.
Mentor directly, or provide mentorship opportunities, for faculty and staff.
Prioritize allocation of Divisional funds in a way that optimizes efforts by faculty members to grow DAS’ sponsored research portfolio.
Ensure optimum planning and use of existing equipment, funds, and facilities. Prioritize on-going DAS facility needs and advocate for additional resources as necessary.
Contribute to the overall success of the Institute by actively engaging as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team.
Research Program Development and Implementation Responsibilities
Lead, pursue, and develop new areas of research that play to the strengths of the Division and Institute, as well as expand current strengths, such as coordinating multi-institutional proposal development
Network with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients, as well as build teams and collaborations within and outside of DRI to raise funds to support laboratories, facilities, and current and new research areas.
Provide guidance and support to individual faculty to assist in program planning and development.
Identify and provide professional growth opportunities for faculty to build skills in proposal development, grant writing, and other forms of funding acquisition.
Uphold a high standard for sponsor engagement, high-impact scientific achievement, and innovative solutions.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution within one of the DAS research topic areas or a related field (see “About the Division of Atmospheric Sciences” below or visit https://www.dri.edu/atmospheric-sciences/).
Demonstrable excellence in Leadership, Management, and Program Development..
Demonstrable experience identifying current and future research opportunities and developing and implementing strategies that capitalize on those opportunities.
Previous experience supervising/managing budgets and personnel.
Broad understanding of atmospheric science-related environmental and research issues.
Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
U.S. citizenship per funding requirements and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and/or advanced credentials.
Demonstrated understanding of a research environment where faculty salaries are generated through external grants and contracts.
Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams.
Experience authoring and/or reviewing proposals, reports, and publications.
Conditions of Employment
U.S. citizenship per funding requirements and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
The successful candidate will be offered the position contingent upon passing a mandatory test for the absence of any illegal drugs (as defined in 10 CFR 707.4) as well as satisfactory credit, criminal, and background investigations.
Compensation
The minimum annual starting salary is $250,000 and will be competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and alignment with similar public academic research institutions. DRI provides excellent benefits