Executive Director

Rice University•Houston, TX

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute (RSBI) seeks to catalyze collaborative research in synthetic biology and its translation into technologies that benefit society. This Institute serves to strengthen the synthetic biology community at Rice by coordinating activities related to synthetic biology across Rice schools. RSBI also seeks to connect the Rice synthetic biology community with regional industrial, government, and academic partners, and to engage with global leaders across all areas of synthetic biology. Research at RSBI focuses on living therapeutics, living materials, and living electronics, as well as foundational work in synthetic biology. To achieve its mission, RSBI seeks to: Host programming and events that support, enhance, and strengthen the multifaceted synthetic biology community at Rice University Identify, connect, and support interdisciplinary teams to apply for and execute center-level grants Partner with the Rice SSPB graduate program to develop the next generation of leaders in synthetic biology Establish long-term strategic partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders—from academia to industry and federal agencies—regionally, nationally, and internationally In collaboration with the Institute’s Faculty Director and Deputy Director, the Executive Director develops plans to achieve the Institute’s mission and strategic priorities and is responsible for directing the implementation of these plans. The Executive Director develops, initiates, and monitors all business development activities, including but not limited to: Managing and supervising Institute staff Overseeing the Institute’s administrative workload and programmatic activities Nurturing internal and external relationships for continued and expanded support of the Institute’s programs Building sustainable relationships with Rice faculty, university leaders, and domestic and international experts Serving as a key liaison between internal and external constituents, including industry, foundations, and government Identifying, qualifying, and developing potential funding sources and opportunities that will bring additional research funding to the Institute and the broader Rice community The Executive Director reports to the Faculty Director of RSBI and represents the Institute as needed. The Executive Director will work closely with Institute leadership and associated faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to fulfill the mission of the Institute.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, or related degree)
6+ years of related professional experience, including the following:
Effectiveness in working with faculty at research-intensive universities
Effectiveness in collaborating with some of the following organizations: corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and research foundations
Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and oversee execution
Demonstrated ability to attract federal or corporate funding
Track record of innovative thinking, analysis, and practical activities
Capacity to think analytically and creatively, and to develop new and innovative approaches to external affairs
Ability to be an effective and coherent leader, and the capacity to lead staff in an effective and flexible way
Exemplary verbal, visual, and written communication skills
Ability to build sustainable relationships
Self-motivated/self-starter
Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
Advanced problem-solving skills, adept at creating contingency plans
Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Attention to detail
Ability to lead and motivate others
Strategic skills to craft and implement a fundraising and/or project plan

Nice To Haves

PhD or other doctoral degree (Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, or related degree), or a master’s degree and 10 years of experience
Creative
Excellent data analysis skills
Entrepreneurial

Responsibilities

Fundraising, which includes identifying, qualifying, and developing potential funding sources and opportunities that will bring additional research funding aligned with the Institute’s research directions, and developing and writing proposals to leverage these opportunities in collaboration with interested faculty members
Community-building internally and externally, which includes facilitating intersecting research communities within the Institute and connecting them with researchers at other institutions at the local, national, and international levels
Establishing long-term strategic relationships and partnerships for RSBI with state and federal agencies, industry, foundations, philanthropic entities, and universities
Collaborates with faculty, university leadership, and Institute leadership to develop, set, and execute the strategic goals and objectives of the Institute
Oversees the administrative and financial operations within the Institute
Leads and directs the development of programs, initiatives, and plans to advance the Institute’s mission and strategic objectives
Coordinates fundraising for major programs and projects across all aspects of synthetic biology
Identifies, qualifies, and develops potential funding sources
Leads and directs the development and implementation of strategies and plans related to external relations, including fundraising, communications, events, marketing, etc.
Identifies and facilitates opportunities for synergy and collaboration between RSBI and the SSPB graduate program
Establishes and fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations, both domestic and international, between the Institute, specific industries, and other universities
Prepares reports describing RSBI activities, finances, and future directions for internal evaluation of RSBI effectiveness
Leads and directs Institute staff, and directs key administrative and financial functions including administrative operations, human resources, budget management, and forecasting
Serves as a key liaison with stakeholders and constituency groups
Actively supports and coordinates fundraising strategies and efforts, and serves as a liaison with Development and Alumni Relations
Serves as a key liaison with government and industrial partners
Performs all other duties as assigned