Director, Education Programs

National Strategic Research Institute•Omaha, NE

1d•$165,000

About The Position

The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking a Director of Education Programs to lead NSRI’s education function and student talent-development initiatives. The Director will set the direction, priorities, and long-term approach for programs connecting K-12 and university students with national security research, learning, and career opportunities. The role is responsible for building a sustainable education portfolio aligned with NSRI’s mission and expanding pathways into national security-related academic and professional opportunities. As the senior leader for education, the Director has overall accountability for program design and delivery, staff and resources, external partnerships, funding, performance, and growth. The Director will guide assigned education staff and bring together researchers, educational institutions, government organizations, industry, and other partners. A key focus is establishing a scalable student talent pipeline that progresses from early engagement through learning, mentorship, academic opportunities, and national security careers. The Director will also represent NSRI in education-related outreach and cultivate stakeholder relationships. The position supports a new NSRI education initiative currently in development. Recruitment may proceed while program funding and implementation plans are finalized. Any employment offer is contingent on confirmation of sufficient funding and final authorization to proceed. Current NSRI employees who meet the minimum qualifications will receive priority consideration. The position is full-time, based in Omaha, Nebraska, reports to the Chief of Staff, and offers a salary starting at $165,000 per year, commensurate with credentials and experience. NSRI is a DoD-designated University Affiliated Research Center affiliated with the University of Nebraska, providing research, development, and technical expertise in support of national security.

Requirements

Master’s degree in education or a related field.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in education, educational administration, academic programming, or a related field, including at least 7 years in significant program, administrative, or organizational leadership roles.
Record of successfully creating, managing, or expanding complex education initiatives involving multiple stakeholders or institutions.
Experience setting organizational or program direction and translating broad objectives into effective initiatives and measurable results.
Ability to build productive relationships with senior leaders, external organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups.
Experience obtaining, managing, or helping secure grants, partnerships, philanthropic support, or other external resources.
Success directing staff, teams, partners, or cross-functional contributors toward shared objectives.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in Education or a related field.
Senior administrative or organizational leadership experience within K-12 education, higher education, or a comparable educational environment.
Background creating or expanding STEM, career-connected learning, student-development, or similar education initiatives.
Knowledge of approaches that connect students with academic, experiential, and professional pathways.
Experience working across institutional or organizational boundaries to accomplish shared objectives.
Familiarity with the Department of Defense, national security sector, federal agencies, or government-sponsored programs.
Broad knowledge of education systems and ability to establish effective relationships across schools, higher education, government, industry, and community organizations.
Familiarity with federal, state, philanthropic, and private grant development and management.

Responsibilities

Set the vision, priorities, and multi-year direction for NSRI’s education function in alignment with organizational priorities and national security talent needs.
Maintain accountability for the education portfolio, including quality, execution, staffing and resource needs, financial sustainability, and results.
Build and scale education initiatives that expand student access to national security research, technology, learning, and career opportunities.
Supervise assigned education staff, set performance expectations, and determine future staffing and capability needs.
Guide the creation of educational content and learning experiences that translate complex national security subjects into age- and audience-appropriate programming.
Establish and oversee a “Recruit, Train, Retain” student pathway connecting early engagement with continued academic and career-development opportunities.
Cultivate partnerships with K-12 systems, colleges and universities, government organizations, industry, community groups, and other institutions.
Represent NSRI as its senior education representative in outreach and partnerships with senior leaders across education, government, academia, industry, and the community.
Establish sustainable funding for the education portfolio and pursue appropriate federal, state, philanthropic, institutional, and other external resources.
Define success measures and assess program reach, effectiveness, student outcomes, partnership value, and progress toward organizational objectives.
Evaluate opportunities for additional programs, partnerships, audiences, and delivery models, and recommend investments based on mission alignment, impact, and available resources.
Connect NSRI researchers and technical experts with education initiatives to provide students exposure to national security research, technologies, and mission areas.
Coordinate across NSRI functions to ensure education efforts are planned, supported, communicated, and executed.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.