Research Portfolio Manager: UT Space Institute

University of Tennessee•Huntsville, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Portfolio Manager develops sponsored research opportunities with an emphasis on the Huntsville region and connects University of Tennessee researchers with federal and industry partners. The position maintains sponsor relationships, presents University capabilities, builds multidisciplinary teams, monitors active project portfolios, and facilitates communication between research performers and sponsors. The manager works independently across broad technical areas and represents the University at meetings, workshops, conferences, and regional events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Three years of experience related to business and opportunity development for science- or technology-based research projects, including demonstrated project-management experience.
Strong ability to manage and monitor requirements and progress across a portfolio of projects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate collegially and knowledgeably with faculty.
Ability to apply independent judgment and work across broad and diverse technical subject areas.
Outstanding planning, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, project-management, and customer-service skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet external deadlines.
Ability to work independently while coordinating and prioritizing multiple tasks.
Excellent computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database programs, internet research, and website development.
Knowledge of Department of Defense-oriented research culture and the national defense enterprise.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a STEM discipline or closely related field.
Five years of experience in business development or a comparable function within an organization focused on foundational research or technology maturation with strong ties to aerospace or defense.
Demonstrated project-management experience related to technology maturation or research and development.
Experience in a technology-maturation or research role within a federal government organization or an institution supporting the federal government.
Background in defense programs as a military member or government employee.
Ability to obtain a Department of Defense or Department of Energy security clearance.
Knowledge of Uniform Guidance.

Responsibilities

Establish, develop, and sustain relationships with federal agencies and corporations in Huntsville, including program managers, advisory panels, chief technology officers, and other key contacts.
Develop a thorough understanding of the research priorities and workforce needs of potential sponsors and partners in the Huntsville region.
Prepare and present University research capabilities to potential sponsors and partners.
Connect University investigators with potential customers through meetings, conference calls, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, collaborations, and proposer-day participation.
Provide input for marketing materials, research agreements, and contract agreements as needed.
Maintain a current inventory of prospects and projects.
Develop and implement strategies that engage University expertise to address aerospace and defense challenges faced by Huntsville federal agencies and companies.
Promote multidisciplinary, multi-investigator teams that can compete for large-scale projects, research centers, and training-program opportunities.
Monitor project requirements and facilitate communication between University research teams and sponsoring organizations to support achievement of performance milestones.
Meet routinely with sponsors to coordinate project progress with external collaborators and keep work within sponsor-defined parameters.
When a project is not on track, work with the project team to develop a recovery plan, explain the plan, and obtain sponsor approval.
Advise investigators regarding sponsor interactions and expectations.
Contribute Huntsville market expertise and local sponsor perspectives to reports and presentations.
Track and advise on resource allocation in collaboration with business managers, faculty, and staff to maximize use of University research capabilities.
Organize and participate in meetings between University researchers and potential sponsors.
Attend and participate in agency-sponsored meetings and conferences.
Develop and organize technical workshops.
Support Huntsville Office participation in regional industry and government events, including trade shows and conferences with exhibit areas.
Represent the University at community and regional events, including luncheons, industry days, networking events, and other activities connected to the University research mission.