The University of Minnesota seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director (ED) of the National Security Research Institute (NSRI). NSRI is a new initiative designed to expand the Universityâ™s role in advancing national security research, innovation, and workforce development. 

NSRI is in an early stage of development. The foundational goals of the institute are to:

• Increase national security related research activity and external funding
• Broaden faculty engagement in defense and security research opportunities
• Build the infrastructure necessary to support long-term contributions to the nationâ™s security mission.

The Executive Director is the chief executive and strategic leader of NSRI. This role will lead efforts to shape and grow NSRI from this foundation developing strategic direction, establishing early research wins, cultivating high value partnerships, and building campus capacity. The successful candidate will bring experience, credibility, and creativity to help define what NSRI becomes while working closely with University leadership and external stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to build a new, mission-driven research institute that aligns with national priorities and academic strengths.

The Executive Director will lead the NSRI and will be responsible for overseeing the instituteâ™s day-to-day operations including appointing staff, managing the budget, and serving as the primary representative of the institute in engagements with government agencies, industry, and the public. In consultation with the VPRI, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board, the ED shapes and steers the NSRIâ™s strategic plan and prioritizes research focus areas and educational programming. The ED implements the strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management (40%)

• Develop and execute the strategic vision of the NSRI in alignment with university goals and national security priorities, subject to oversight by the VPRI, Governing Board and Faculty Advisory Board
• Position NSRI as a trusted partner for national security innovation, research, and training.
• Engage on a quarterly basis with the Governing Board and Faculty Advisory Board to guide program direction and ensure impact.
• Hire, develop, and supervise research project managers and administrative staff.
• Establish structure and operating practices that are fundamental to the success of the institute.
• Oversee internal processes, budget management, and resource allocation.

External Engagement and Partnership Development (25%)

• Serve as the primary liaison to federal agencies (DoD, DoE, DHS), industry partners, national labs, and research sponsors.
• Represent the NSRI nationally to elevate UMNâ™s profile as a leader in national security innovation.
• Cultivate partnerships to support workforce development, sponsored research, and policy engagement.

Program Development and Research Oversight (20%)

• Identify and support high-risk, high-reward research projects aligned with national security missions.
• Ensure smooth execution of seed funding, proposal development, and technology transition pipelines.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration across UMN colleges and departments.

Education and Workforce Development (10%)

• Advance education programs and outreach initiatives to prepare students and early-career researchers for careers in national security.
• Oversee lectures, workshops, and internship programs that connect UMN talent with government and industry stakeholders.

Governance, Compliance, and Ethics (5%)

• Ensure all NSRI activities align with university policies, federal regulations, and ethical standards.
• Report regularly on institute performance, key milestones, and impact metrics to the VPRI and Governing Board.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a field relevant to national security research (e.g., engineering, data science, cybersecurity).
• At least 12 years of experience in a leadership role within a national security-related organization (e.g., federal agency, research university, national lab, or defense contractor).
• Demonstrated track record of securing federal research funding and/or leading large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree
• Extensive track record of successfully managing DARPA-style or similar mission-oriented R&D programs.
• History of successful management of University-Industry-Government collaborations.
• Strong professional network across DoD, DoE, DHS, and/or national labs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of the national security ecosystem, including federal R&D priorities, acquisition pathways, and policy trends.
• Demonstrated knowledge of export control, research security compliance, and secure facilities operations.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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