Program and Strategy Co-Director for the Solinsky Challenge

Clarkson University•Potsdam, NY

12d•$140,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Clarkson University is seeking two collaborative and decisive leaders to serve as Directors of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge to operationalize and promote the portfolio of initiatives related to the recently-announced Ken ‘71 and Grace Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge. The Challenge has a focus on advanced manufacturing. The Solinsky’s $32M financial commitment to the Challenge represents the largest directed gift in the history of Clarkson University. The Solinsky Challenge will result in an $80M investment in engineering over the seven-year duration of the Challenge. This investment will include an anticipated $48M expansion and renovation of the engineering building into the Solinsky Engineering Center and a portfolio of Solinsky Challenge advanced manufacturing initiatives including curricular and co-curricular innovation; expanding student engagement in manufacturing-related activities; advancing manufacturing research and technology transfer; significantly increasing Clarkson’s engagement and partnership with industry; and advancing the reputation and visibility of Clarkson’s engineering programs. The Directors will work closely with the Dean of Engineering to operationalize and execute the Solinsky Challenge portfolio of advanced manufacturing programs. Success metrics include meeting program milestones; significantly increasing the number and effectiveness of the Solinsky Challenge industry-university and government-university partnerships; growing engineering enrollments; and enhancing the reputation of Clarkson Engineering as measured by US News and other rankings. Candidates must have a proven history of successful engineering and/or business experience in the field of advanced manufacturing. A candidate with experience primarily in academia may be considered if their academic experience includes a national profile of leadership in manufacturing and a proven ability to work effectively with industry and government to advance and grow university/industry/government partnerships. Candidates must be passionate about better preparing engineering graduates to enter the engineering workforce and advancing the economic vitality of the region, state, and nation by regaining US pre-eminence in manufacturing. The industry experience of the Directors should complement the academic experience of the Clarkson faculty to ensure the goals of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenges are aligned with both academic and industry needs. The industry experience of the two Directors should also be complementary. These senior leadership positions report to the Dean of Engineering who is responsible for the overall management of the Solinsky Engineering Leadership Challenge.

Requirements

Minimal Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree
Minimal Experience: 15 years of experience in the field of advanced manufacturing: A career progression that includes direct business and operational responsibility of successful manufacturing projects that may include significant management experience as a program manager for a significant technically challenging product or system, a production manager, or a plant/general manager of a production facility.
Candidates should be individuals of sufficient gravitas to have a robust professional network of manufacturing professionals and government and industry leaders with advanced manufacturing interests.
Candidates must possess the leadership, communication, and people skills necessary to work with a wide range of stakeholders from academia and industry and government including senior management, faculty, university alumni, technicians, and undergraduate and graduate students.
Experience developing and executing strategies/annual plans.
Proven experience with C-level professionals
Individuals with a primary background in engineering should have experience with product design, multiple part fabrication techniques, establishment of production lines, plant layout, statistical process control, design of experiments, and effective scheduling and budgeting and a working knowledge of business.
Individuals with a primary background in business should have experience in product development, marketing, establishment of production lines, cost estimation, and a working knowledge of engineering and manufacturing technology.
A candidate with experience primarily in academia may be considered if their academic experience includes a national profile of leadership in manufacturing and a proven ability to work effectively with industry and government to advance and grow university/industry/government partnerships.
The two candidates should have complementary skills and experience.
Proven experience leading and training organizations using modern manufacturing strategies including: Process Design and flow charting Lean/Toyota production system (TPS) Six-sigma Kaizen DMEDI DFMA Taguchi Methods/House of Quality
Proven experience leading and training organizations using modern management techniques including: Capital Investment Justification RACE ISO Quality Systems
Proficiency in the use of modern software tools (e.g. MS Office Suite) and Enterprise Business Systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle or similar MRP)
Proven leadership at a senior executive level.
A team-based approach to strategic thinking and planning
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
A proven ability to motivate multidisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
A self-starter that willing “roll up their sleeves” and get things done and lead by example

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications: Masters, MBA, or Ph.D. preferred
Preferred Experience: 20+ years experience in the field of advanced manufacturing
Experience leading government-industry-university partnerships, adjunct teaching, and economic development is a plus.

Responsibilities

Program execution and support: Executing the Solinsky program portfolio assigned to the Director.
Working with the Dean, Advisory Boards, and other Solinsky Challenge stakeholders to continuously refine, communicate, and advance Clarkson’s advanced manufacturing vision.
Supporting the Solinsky Engineering Center expansion and renovation capital project to ensure that the building design supports the Solinsky challenge programs and the educational and industry-engagement vision.
Developing and implementing strategies to accelerate and increase university technology transfer in areas related to advanced manufacturing.
Identifying and leading a variety of thought-leadership activities related to advancing regional and US manufacturing that also will enhance the visibility and reputation of Clarkson University. These may include colloquia, workshops, or roundtables focused on niche areas in advanced manufacturing.
Supporting the Dean in the preparation of progress reports and presentations to donors, advisory board members and other stakeholders.
Provide guidance and support to the development of the school of engineering and departmental strategic plan development and execution by working with the Deans, Department Chairs and faculty.
Developing proposals and strategies for new initiatives that are aligned with the Solinsky Challenge vision.
Travel to meet with prospective industry and government partners is expected.
Business Development responsibilities: Growing Clarkson’s network of engaged government, industry, and alumni partners.
Identifying, supporting, and pursuing economic development opportunities aligned with the Solinsky Challenge.
Identifying, pursuing, and securing funding for advanced manufacturing projects and research in areas of strategic importance to the university.
Securing financial support from industry for targeted Challenge initiatives.
Supporting matching fundraising efforts with individuals and foundations.
Leading and/or supporting proposal efforts related to the Solinsky Challenge.
Identifying, developing and providing leadership for programs that increase the manufacturing internship and job opportunities for Clarkson’s students.
Meeting revenue, program growth, or other milestone targets of assigned programs.
Mentoring and Teaching responsibilities: Mentoring faculty and students interested in translating their research to manufacturable designs and economically viable products.
Teaching advanced manufacturing engineering and business topics through the university's expanding microcredential program and as a guest lecturer in undergraduate and/or graduate classes.
Coaching university-supported start-up companies.