Director, Education Programs

National Strategic Research Institute•Omaha, NE

1d•$165,000•Onsite

About The Position

The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking a Director of Education Programs to oversee its education function and student talent-development initiatives. The Director sets 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 builds a sustainable education portfolio aligned with NSRI’s mission and expands pathways into national security-related academic and professional fields. As the senior leader for education, the Director is accountable for program design and delivery, staff and resources, external partnerships, funding, performance, and growth. The Director guides assigned education staff and coordinates NSRI researchers, educational institutions, government organizations, industry, and other partners. A key focus is developing a scalable “Recruit, Train, Retain” student talent pipeline, from early engagement through learning, mentorship, academic opportunities, and national security careers. The Director serves as NSRI’s principal education representative, cultivating relationships with schools, higher-education institutions, government, industry, community organizations, funding partners, and other stakeholders. This position supports a new education initiative in development. Recruitment may proceed while 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 minimum qualifications will receive priority consideration. NSRI is a DoD-designated University Affiliated Research Center affiliated with the University of Nebraska. It provides research, development, and technical expertise in support of national security as a long-term strategic partner to the federal government.

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 converting broad objectives into effective initiatives and measurable results.
Strong capability in building 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 initiatives that expand student access to national security research, technology, learning, and career opportunities.
Supervise assigned education staff, establish 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 leader in outreach and partnerships with senior stakeholders across education, government, academia, industry, and the community.
Establish a sustainable funding approach and pursue federal, state, philanthropic, institutional, and other external resources.
Define measures of success and assess program reach, effectiveness, student outcomes, partnership value, and progress toward organizational objectives.
Evaluate potential programs, partnerships, audiences, and delivery models; recommend investments based on mission alignment, impact, and resources.
Connect NSRI researchers and technical experts with education initiatives to expose students 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.