Overview

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Regional Network - Mid-Atlantic (RNMA) at Cornell University has an immediate opening for a Program Director. The RNMA is leading innovators within its regional ecosystem of colleges and universities, industry, startups, and venture investors to identify, prototype, and develop dual-use technology - both commercial and military - while providing experiences to apply processes and tools used by industry, academia, and venture capitalists to translate their concepts and research into useful products. 

As Program Director, you will contribute to the overall success of the RNMA by coordinating requirements and activities between AFRL, RNMA leadership, its members and collaborators through its collaborative funding program and tracking and reporting the performance, cost, schedule, and impact of each collaboration activity. Moreover, you will identify strengths in organizations and individuals, build productive coalitions, and represent the RMNA with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. To be successful, you will utilize effective oral and written communications with academic, industry, and government collaborators across the Mid-Atlantic region and provide crisp, compelling, and clear guidance in the coordination of interorganizational teams.

Responsibilities
As Program Director, you will manage and optimize RNMA?s engagement with the Air Force Research Laboratory enterprise, as well as the United States Air Force and Space Force, by recruiting, energizing, and stimulating translational collaboration among colleges and universities, defense contractors of diverse sizes and sectors, and early-stage companies in civil and commercial markets. You will work in partnership with internal and external teams to lead and coordinate research translation activities across organizational boundaries.

Additionally, you will work to expand RNMA membership, including government, academic, startup, investor, and industry members and maximize effectiveness of RNMA operations, including research and workforce development activities; tracking project milestones, managing and reporting financial performance; streamlining daily operations; evaluating RNMA performance; and executing special projects.

Through leading the RNMA?s partnership funding program, you will encourage the formation and development of multi-organizational research teams and provide mentorship and support to RNMA members applying for funding.

While you will not have direct reports, you will direct and coordinate the work of others via collaborative project management and contractual requirements. This role requires frequent travel (approximately 30% time) to AFRL locations, regional member sites, conferences, and events to promote the RNMA and engage with current and prospective members.

What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. The letter is an important component of your application.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

• Bachelor?s degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination

• Ability to think strategically and align multiple interests (especially educational, commercial, and governmental) to address broader needs or goals

• Experience fostering successful collaborations or contributing to organizational partnerships

• Proficiency in computer technology, including Microsoft Office applications, relational databases for talent management, customer relationship management, and other essential internet software

• Strong skills in research, analysis, and reporting

• Ability to organize, prioritize and monitor projects, tasks, and budgets

• Effective communications with individuals and groups, including presentation and facilitation skills

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members 

• Working knowledge of applicable laws, contracts, and standards

• Experience working effectively in a fast-paced and innovative team environment

• Ability to mentor and motivate interorganizational teams and resolve conflicts
   

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• An advanced degree (master?s, professional or PhD) in science or engineering, business, or related field from an accredited academic institution

• 7+ years of related experience, including project management and data analysis

• Demonstrated understanding of current market trends and forces affecting innovation translation

• Government Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certification or PMP certification

This is a fixed-term position with the appointment period based on available funding. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. The position is eligible for a hybrid working arrangement with periodic work on campus expected. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

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