Executive Director of the Materials Sector

Are you interested in being a strategic leader at UDRI? UDRI is a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI contributes to the fulfillment of the University's commitments to education, research, and public service through the involvement of students, faculty and external partners. Established as the research arm of the University of Dayton in 1956, UDRI achieved $2.75 billion in cumulative sponsored research in 2020. Sponsored research for 2023 alone exceeded $230 million. UDRI is ranked first in the nation among all colleges and universities for sponsored materials research, according to the National Science Foundation. In Ohio, UDRI is number one among colleges and universities receiving contracts and grants from the Department of Defense. UDRI’s materials sector performs innovative materials research & development at all levels, TRLs 1-8, including basic and applied research, sustainment technologies and technology transition. We invite qualified candidates to apply for our Executive Director of the Materials Sector opening!

The Institute has a tradition of research excellence with an uncompromising commitment to providing customers with quality products while maintaining the highest ethical standards. It is keenly aware that compliance with applicable laws and regulations is an essential condition for performing its business. Its commitment to compliance is based on providing a supportive environment, the integrity of its employees, and their support of the University's policies and applicable laws and regulations of the United States.

The Executive Director of the Materials Sector at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) is a pivotal position responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational excellence of the sector. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, business growth, and research execution, the Executive Director plays a crucial role in advancing UDRI's mission of research excellence and technological advancement by establishing initiatives, setting direction, and defining priorities in alignment with UDRI's overarching strategic goals. This involves developing and executing comprehensive plans aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness, defining goals and metrics, coordinating with other sectors and business offices, and ensuring compliance with established processes.

The Executive Director oversees the sector’s research portfolios by monitoring contract execution, including profit and loss, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to achieve strategic goals. This position is responsible for identifying and engaging high-value clients to form strategic partnerships to develop and implement innovative technical solutions in support of the client’s mission. This involves identifying and mitigating risks within the sector and the marketplace. Additionally, the Executive Director will manage the sector business and financial management operations, including the coordination with the Research Institute’s central business operations. This position will also coordinate business development and marketing opportunities across the Research Institute.

The Executive Director will foster a culture of respect, inclusivity, and diversity while promoting servant leadership principles. This entails empowering employees by providing resources, setting clear expectations, and prioritizing their professional development through recruitment, training, mentorship, and succession planning. Effective communication is paramount in this role, as the Executive Director facilitates transparent internal communication amongst employees, direct reports, and leadership. They also play a key role in disseminating institute goals, priorities, policies, and initiatives to sector personnel.

1. Advanced degree in a relevant field.
2. Minimum of 18 years of experience related to the research, development, application and/or transition of advanced technologies.
3. Minimum 7 years of senior-level supervisory experience, with a staff of more than 30, including professional, technical, or administrative staff.
4. Experience in attracting, leading and coordinating large and complex research programs.
5. Experience working collaboratively on diverse teams and with external partners and customers.
6. Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
7. Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
8. Valid driver’s license, with a low risk driving record, and insurable by the University.

While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

1. Advanced degree in a science, engineering, or technology field.
2. Minimum 7 years of experience in an organization of comparable size and complexity to the Sector.
3. Minimum of 10 years of senior-level supervisory experience, with a staff of more than 50, including professional, technical, or administrative staff.
4. Experience in attracting, leading and coordinating large and complex research programs in excess of $25 million annually.
5. Experience in strategic planning, business management, and business development, in an organization of similar size and complexity to the Sector.
6. Experience with Federal government contracting.
7. Experience managing profit and loss.
8. Experience leading the capture of large and complex research contracts.
9. Active Secret or higher clearance.

Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.