Executive Director, Division of Atmospheric Sciences

Desert Research Institute • Reno, NV

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Desert Research Institute (DRI), the non-profit environmental research institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), is seeking a qualified individual to provide scientific leadership and management for its Division of Atmospheric Sciences (DAS). The primary function of the DAS Executive Director is to support, facilitate, initiate, and expand Division faculty research through management and program development initiatives that augment and enhance the Division’s faculty generated revenues and multidisciplinary research. DRI has two campuses, one in Reno and one in Las Vegas, NV, with the majority of DAS faculty located in Reno. The position is based in Reno and will require periodic travel to Las Vegas.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution within one of the DAS research topic areas or a related field.
• Demonstrable excellence in Leadership, Management, and Program Development.
• Demonstrable experience identifying current and future research opportunities and developing and implementing strategies that capitalize on those opportunities.
• Previous experience supervising/managing budgets and personnel.
• Broad understanding of atmospheric science-related environmental and research issues.
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship per funding requirements and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution and/or advanced credentials.
• Demonstrated understanding of a research environment where faculty salaries are generated through external grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and building collaborative teams.
• Experience authoring and/or reviewing proposals, reports, and publications.

Responsibilities

• Perform oversight of DAS personnel.
• Provide career coaching, support and recruitment of DAS personnel.
• Work with faculty to maintain and grow the existing portfolio of DAS research projects and programs.
• Identify new opportunities and initiate new lines of business by leveraging existing capabilities and engaging with potential sponsors of future research.
• Provide leadership and oversight of DAS resources.
• Effectively manage DAS personnel, including maintaining healthy and collaborative inter-personal interactions, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending faculty for promotions and awards.
• Implement strategies for sustaining and developing research programs and targeted hiring for strategic research expansion areas.
• Be an excellent internal and external advocate for the capabilities and accomplishments of DAS faculty.
• Work with the Division Business Administration and Financial Services Office to establish revenue projections and set budget priorities.
• Mentor directly, or provide mentorship opportunities, for faculty and staff.
• Prioritize allocation of Divisional funds in a way that optimizes efforts by faculty members to grow DAS’ sponsored research portfolio.
• Ensure optimum planning and use of existing equipment, funds, and facilities.
• Prioritize on-going DAS facility needs and advocate for additional resources as necessary.
• Contribute to the overall success of the Institute by actively engaging as a member of DRI’s Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead, pursue, and develop new areas of research that play to the strengths of the Division and Institute, as well as expand current strengths, such as coordinating multi-institutional proposal development.
• Network with potential sponsors, agencies, and clients, as well as build teams and collaborations within and outside of DRI to raise funds to support laboratories, facilities, and current and new research areas.
• Provide guidance and support to individual faculty to assist in program planning and development.
• Identify and provide professional growth opportunities for faculty to build skills in proposal development, grant writing, and other forms of funding acquisition.
• Uphold a high standard for sponsor engagement, high-impact scientific achievement, and innovative solutions.

Benefits

• Health insurance options that include dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
• 19.25% tax-deferred mandatory retirement contribution with matching by DRI.
• Two (2) days of annual leave accrued each full month.
• Thirty (30) days of sick leave provided upon start date and two (2) days of sick leave accrued per full month after the first year of service.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Tuition reduction at NSHE institutions for employee and eligible dependents.
• No state income tax and no social security deduction.
• Relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive