Associate Director of Defense and Security Collaborations

Job Details

Position Summary

Responsible for executing the strategic vision of the University of Georgia Research Institute ( UGARI ), including activities in funding development, project capture and execution. Particular emphasis is expected in the area of funding acquisition for faculty pursuing research activities with mission driven agencies such as the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and other funding entities in the global security sector. The Associate Director will coordinate with the UGARI Director to address strategies to pursue external funding resources, UGARI affiliated faculty, and equipment and infrastructure needs at UGA to support research for mission driven agencies, as well as potential growth opportunities for the Institute. The Associate Director will report to the UGARI Director and will directly engage within the Office of Research to ensure that business and research services are in place at UGA to facilitate and support faculty research with mission driven agencies. Such engagement with the Office of Research is expected to include, Sponsored Programs, Institutional Animal Care and Use, Institutional Biosafety, Human Resources, Export Control and Research Security, Research Infrastructure, Core Research Facilities, and UGA Centers and Institutes. The Associate Director also will be expected to engage with College, School, and Department investigators across the UGA campus to increase awareness of UGARI services in the areas of funding development support for projects involving mission driven agencies. This position currently supervises the UGARI Research Scientist positions. It is expected that the UGARI Associate Director will guide, support, and facilitate UGARI PM and Research Scientist efforts to engage potential funding agencies across an expansive community of mission driven agencies. This Associate Director’s assigned region includes cities across the National Capital Region around Washington, DC, as needed.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Posting Details

Posting Number
F2635P
Working Title
Associate Director of Defense and Security Collaborations
Department
VPR-UGA Research Institute

About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date
07/01/2026
Job Posting Date
01/21/2026
Job Closing Date

Open until filled
Yes
Location of Vacancy
Outside Georgia

Position Details

Position Information
Classification Title
Researcher AC
Faculty Rank
Assistant Research Scientist
Contract Type
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status
Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
Terminal degree.
Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
We seek applicants with prior service working with federal and/or mission-driven agencies, particularly with government contracting service. The ideal candidate would have a prior role as a Contract Officer, Contract Officer Representative, and/or Technical Point of Contact ( TPOC ) in addition to a history of successful management of multiple contracts/awards across a number of topics/mission areas.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• A demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship.
• Strong internal management aptitude with good budgetary skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and collegial manner with faculty, staff, sponsors, and partners.
• Ability to promote scholarly excellence and ensure outstanding academic programs.
• Ability to successfully raise funds and to enhance already strong relationships with mission agencies and the academic community
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment
• Sit and work at a computer workstation
• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Is this a Position of Trust?
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?
Yes

Duties/Responsibilities

Supervision:

• Serves as direct supervisor for all UGARI Research Scientists, including development and oversight of Position Descriptions, annual and semi-annual performance reviews, and any HR related activities associated with these positions.
• Oversees weekly meetings with UGARI Research Scientists (and staff as appropriate) to remain current on emerging funding opportunities in mission driven agency sectors, strategic planning for UGARI engagement of mission driven agencies in DOE and Global Security sectors, and other related topics of concern to UGARI .

Percentage Of Time
10

Administration:

• Supports quarterly meetings with the UGARI Steering Committee to provide updates on UGARI activities to the Committee and to seek advice and approvals related to proposed UGARI research, education, or outreach activities.
• Participates in weekly meetings with UGARI Program Management staff to discuss anticipated support needs for UGARI Director, Assoc/Asst Directors, and Program Manager(s).
• Directly supports annual retreat for UGARI staff and UGA faculty, staff, graduate students and postdocs participating in UGARI related research, education, or outreach activities.

Percentage Of Time
20

Funding Development:

• Conducts monthly review of potential funding opportunities that might be appropriate for UGA faculty to pursue as related to mission driven agencies in the DOE and Global Security Sectors.
• Travels to Washington, DC (or other locations) as needed to conduct discussions with funding agencies or congressional staffers about potential research ideas that would support UGA faculty research efforts and develops relationships with staff from potential funders to educate on and advocate for UGA research capabilities.
• Works with UGARI Program Manager for Project Capture and Execution to improve or address business services and university policies that advance or impede the ability of UGA faculty to successfully work with funding from mission driven agencies in the DOE and Global Security sectors.

Percentage Of Time
50

Coordination:

• Serves as direct liaison between UGARI and all university investigators (Dept. Heads, Faculty) performing UGARI related research, education, or outreach activities,
• Serves as direct liaison between UGARI and all university administrators (Business Support, Sponsored Programs, Human Resources, Facilities) who engage with UGARI Project Capture and Execution Team and active UGARI related research functions.
• Represents UGARI as required at workshops and other collaborative events with sponsors and collaborators associated with UGARI related research funding and activities.

Percentage Of Time
15

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Works with UGARI staff to collect information and create summary statistics necessary to prepare and edit UGARI annual report to UGARI Steering Committee.
• Creates and/or serves on committees needed to address ad hoc strategic or infrastructure needs of UGARI .
• Develops and leads strategic initiatives to strengthen or expand UGARI as opportunities arise to do so with the approval and assistance of the UGARI Director.

Percentage Of Time
5

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Sample Publications
2. Unofficial Transcripts