"Executive Director"

Position Summary

The Rice Synthetic Biology Institute (RSBI) seeks to catalyze collaborative research in synthetic biology and its translation into technologies that benefit society. This Institute serves to strengthen the synthetic biology community at Rice by coordinating activities related to synthetic biology across Rice schools. RSBI also seeks to connect the Rice synthetic biology community with regional industrial, government, and academic partners, and to engage with global leaders across all areas of synthetic biology. Research at RSBI focuses on living therapeutics, living materials, and living electronics, as well as foundational work in synthetic biology. To achieve its mission, RSBI seeks to:

• Host programming and events that support, enhance, and strengthen the multifaceted synthetic biology community at Rice University
• Identify, connect, and support interdisciplinary teams to apply for and execute center-level grants
• Partner with the Rice SSPB graduate program to develop the next generation of leaders in synthetic biology
• Establish long-term strategic partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders--from academia to industry and federal agencies--regionally, nationally, and internationally

In collaboration with the Institute's Faculty Director and Deputy Director, the Executive Director develops plans to achieve the Institute's mission and strategic priorities and is responsible for directing the implementation of these plans.

The Executive Director develops, initiates, and monitors all business development activities, including but not limited to:

• Managing and supervising Institute staff
• Overseeing the Institute's administrative workload and programmatic activities
• Nurturing internal and external relationships for continued and expanded support of the Institute's programs
• Building sustainable relationships with Rice faculty, university leaders, and domestic and international experts
• Serving as a key liaison between internal and external constituents, including industry, foundations, and government
• Identifying, qualifying, and developing potential funding sources and opportunities that will bring additional research funding to the Institute and the broader Rice community

The Executive Director reports to the Faculty Director of RSBI and represents the Institute as needed. The Executive Director will work closely with Institute leadership and associated faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to fulfill the mission of the Institute.

Workplace Requirements

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, or related degree)
• 6+ years of related professional experience, including the following:
  • Effectiveness in working with faculty at research-intensive universities
  • Effectiveness in collaborating with some of the following organizations: corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and research foundations
  • Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into actionable plans and oversee execution
  • Demonstrated ability to attract federal or corporate funding

Skills

• Track record of innovative thinking, analysis, and practical activities
• Capacity to think analytically and creatively, and to develop new and innovative approaches to external affairs
• Ability to be an effective and coherent leader, and the capacity to lead staff in an effective and flexible way
• Exemplary verbal, visual, and written communication skills
• Ability to build sustainable relationships
• Self-motivated/self-starter
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules
• Advanced problem-solving skills, adept at creating contingency plans
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• Strategic skills to craft and implement a fundraising and/or project plan

Preferences

• PhD or other doctoral degree (Biological Sciences, Bioengineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, or related degree), or a master's degree and 10 years of experience
• Creative
• Excellent data analysis skills
• Entrepreneurial

Essential Functions

• Fundraising, which includes identifying, qualifying, and developing potential funding sources and opportunities that will bring additional research funding aligned with the Institute's research directions, and developing and writing proposals to leverage these opportunities in collaboration with interested faculty members
• Community-building internally and externally, which includes facilitating intersecting research communities within the Institute and connecting them with researchers at other institutions at the local, national, and international levels
• Establishing long-term strategic relationships and partnerships for RSBI with state and federal agencies, industry, foundations, philanthropic entities, and universities
• Collaborates with faculty, university leadership, and Institute leadership to develop, set, and execute the strategic goals and objectives of the Institute
• Oversees the administrative and financial operations within the Institute
• Leads and directs the development of programs, initiatives, and plans to advance the Institute's mission and strategic objectives
• Coordinates fundraising for major programs and projects across all aspects of synthetic biology
• Identifies, qualifies, and develops potential funding sources
• Leads and directs the development and implementation of strategies and plans related to external relations, including fundraising, communications, events, marketing, etc.
• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for synergy and collaboration between RSBI and the SSPB graduate program
• Establishes and fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations, both domestic and international, between the Institute, specific industries, and other universities
• Prepares reports describing RSBI activities, finances, and future directions for internal evaluation of RSBI effectiveness

Additional Functions

• Leads and directs Institute staff, and directs key administrative and financial functions including administrative operations, human resources, budget management, and forecasting
• Serves as a key liaison with stakeholders and constituency groups
• Actively supports and coordinates fundraising strategies and efforts, and serves as a liaison with Development and Alumni Relations
• Serves as a key liaison with government and industrial partners
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Special Instructions to Applicants

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.