Director of Federal Research Engagement

University of Florida•Out of the State of Florida, FL

About The Position

The Director of Federal Research Engagement connects Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) faculty with federal research funding opportunities and coordinates the College’s responses to federal agency requests for information on emerging research topics. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the role builds relationships with federal agency program managers and division leaders, matches faculty and research capabilities with agency programs, and advises College leadership on federal research priorities and opportunities. The Director works with the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, the Associate Dean for Research, department chairs, and center and institute directors. The position also coordinates with UF Research, UF Government and Community Relations, and other University units, and includes regular visits to Gainesville.

Requirements

A master’s degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate between faculty and program managers.
Eligibility for a U.S. security clearance.

Nice To Haves

A doctoral degree in engineering or a physical science, or equivalent technical depth.
Experience as a program manager, program officer, or division leader at a federal research agency.
An established network among federal program managers.
Demonstrated success building research relationships between universities or industry and federal agencies.
Experience working with interdisciplinary university research teams.
Understanding of federal research funding mechanisms.
Willingness to travel regularly within the Washington, D.C. area and to Gainesville.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain relationships with program managers and division leaders at federal agencies that fund engineering research, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, and NIST.
Meet with program managers to learn about agency research priorities and programs.
Monitor agency research programs, funding priorities, and upcoming solicitations relevant to HWCOE research strengths.
Attend public agency events, including industry days, proposers’ days, and workshops, on behalf of the College.
Serve as the College’s point of contact for federal research agency staff in the Washington, D.C. area.
Identify relevant funding opportunities and emerging programs and connect them with appropriate HWCOE faculty, centers, and institutes.
Arrange and support visits between faculty and program managers, both at agencies and on campus.
Advise faculty on presenting research to federal agencies and developing relationships with program managers.
Support faculty teams preparing large collaborative proposals by providing insight into agency priorities and expectations.
Help develop and maintain summaries of agency programs and funding opportunities for faculty.
Track relevant agency requests for information, workshop invitations, and calls for input on emerging research topics.
Identify faculty suited to respond to agency requests and coordinate the College’s responses.
Support faculty participation in agency workshops, study groups, and review panels when invited.
Support the Dean’s and Associate Deans’ engagement with federal research agencies.
Regularly inform College leadership about relevant federal research priorities, emerging programs, and opportunities.
Maintain records of federal agency contacts, meetings, and opportunities to support planning and assessment.
Contribute to College planning for large-scale center and program opportunities.
Coordinate with UF Research, UF Government and Community Relations, and other University units engaged with federal agencies.
Participate in College leadership and research strategy meetings, including regular visits to Gainesville.