Director of Applied Research Laboratory (0089563T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawaii develops pioneering research and technology solutions to address challenges in defense, sustainability, and scientific discovery. Based in the heart of the Pacific, we collaborate with key partners to enhance Hawaii’s resilience, empower students, and cultivate the next generation of innovators while driving global progress. Researchers and high-level leaders at an ARL want to know their work matters for national security or global innovation. ARL works to provide quick responses to rapidly emerging Department of Defense (DoD), federal and state requirements through the application of ARL at UH’s core competencies: Ocean Environmental Effects, Astronomical Research; Advanced Electro-Optical Systems, Detectors, Arrays and Instrumentation; Environmental Sensor Research and Remote Sensing; New Renewable Energy; and Mission-Related and Public-Services-Oriented Research and Development. Leveraging complementary capabilities of other divisions within the UH system and collaborating with non-UH private and public partners, ARL promotes agile adaptation of solutions through incorporation of rapidly evolving technological advances. The Director of Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) provides the strategic leadership, external engagement, and executive oversight required to fulfill the laboratory's mission as a Navy-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The Director establishes organizational vision and priorities, develops new business opportunities, represents ARL at UH to sponsors and stakeholders, and retains ultimate responsibility for contract execution, organizational performance, and delegated institutional authorities.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a scientific, engineering, business, liberal arts, or social sciences discipline on equivalent professional experience.
Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience directly related to developing and managing an applied research organization or equivalent experience managing complex organizations under Department of Defense requirements.
Demonstrated knowledge of Department of Defense programs, applied research laboratory organizational structures, workflow, and operating procedures, including the relationship between university research faculty and federal task orders.
Knowledge of management principles and practices, including recruitment, staffing, performance management, policy development, and organizational change in complex research or defense environments.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and practices that impact applied research and research service support provided by universities, including export control International Traffic in Arms Regulations/Export Administration Regulations (ITAR/EAR) and related federal requirements.
Knowledge of current technological developments and directions in at least one of ARL at UH’s core technical domains (e.g., Ocean Environmental Effects, Astronomical Research; Advanced Electro-Optical Systems, Detectors, Arrays and Instrumentation; Environmental Sensor Research and Remote Sensing; New Renewable Energy; and Mission-Related and Public-Services-Oriented Research and Development).
Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse Department of Defense and university community and to communicate and interact with officials at all levels of government.
Demonstrated ability to examine and re-engineer operations and procedures, formulate policy, and develop and implement new strategies and procedures; ability to develop and implement short- and long-range goals for complex organizations.
Demonstrated skills in business development, including identifying and securing alternative funding/revenue sources.
Demonstrated ability to supervise and train staff, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments and supporting employee development and performance management.
Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management; ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on a tier 5 background investigation.
Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. This requirement may be fulfilled by possession of a valid driver’s license or use of other means of transportation which meets the position’s needs.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of University of Hawai'i and RCUH policies and procedures.
Established working relationships with U.S. Navy commands and senior command-level personnel, and experience interacting with NAVSEA, other DoD program offices, and high-technology defense industry partners.
Experience leading a university-based applied research or laboratory organization, or equivalent program at a major research institution, including supervision of technical directors and senior engineering staff.
Experience integrating university research capabilities into Department of Defense task orders and contracts.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for ARL at UH, establishing the laboratory vision, long-range goals, organizational priorities, and growth strategies consistent with University and Department of Defense objectives.
Lead strategic planning and organizational development, including identification of emerging mission areas, technical capabilities, and investment priorities.
Approve major organizational initiatives, staffing plans, budgets, business strategies, policy changes, and significant operational decisions.
Maintain responsibility for organizational risk management, regulatory compliance, export control, contractual performance, and sponsor satisfaction.
Lead business development activities, including cultivation of new sponsors, development of task opportunities, expansion of strategic partnerships, and generation of resources necessary to sustain and grow the laboratory.
Maintain overall responsibility to applicable government agencies for execution of contract requirements, task orders, and organizational performance.
Provide oversight of laboratory operations through the Associate Director and senior leadership team; establish organizational priorities and evaluate organizational performance.
Serve as the principal liaison with Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Department of Defense sponsors, federal agencies, UH leadership, industry partners, elected officials, and other external stakeholders.
Represent ARL at UH locally, nationally, and internationally through executive briefings, conferences, advisory committees, sponsor meetings, and public engagement activities.
Adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and policies and procedures of the University, raise awareness among staff, and direct them in such a way that University compliance requirements are met.
Identify and mitigate through policy development/revision/enhancement and training, areas of risk and developing risk to the University, e.g., legal, financial, reputation, and compliance risk, and ensure the team is aware and focused on addressing the same.
Perform other related duties as assigned.