The Executive Director of Federal Agency R&D Relations at Indiana University is an influential role that requires expertise in navigating federal funding agencies and developing legislative strategies. Based in either Indianapolis or Washington, D.C., this position entails representing IU to federal funding agencies, advising IU Research on funding opportunities, and designing advocacy strategies. The Executive Director will collaborate with IU Research’s National Defense R&D Relations Director and IU University Relations, serving as the top advisor on federal funding trends and opportunities. This role also involves analyzing large-scale RFPs, tracking funding trends, and assisting faculty in acquiring federal research funding. The ideal candidate possesses a terminal degree, experience working with federal funding agencies, and excellent communication skills. A Ph.D or experience as a Program Director/Manager within a federal funding agency is preferred. Although the position offers location flexibility, DC-based applicants must be willing to travel to Indiana University for one week each month.
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Position Description
The Executive Director of Federal Agency R&D Relations at Indiana University (IU) Research plays a crucial role in representing IU to federal funding agencies. This position involves monitoring federal funding initiatives and developing legislative strategies to ensure IU remains at the forefront of research and innovation. The Executive Director works closely with other IU directors to strategize and advocate for federal funding that aligns with the university’s goals and research priorities.
Responsibilities
As the Executive Director, one of the primary responsibilities is to advise IU Research on federal funding opportunities. This entails staying updated on the latest funding opportunities, identifying potential research projects that align with federal initiatives, and providing guidance to IU researchers on how to effectively pursue funding opportunities. Strong knowledge of federal funding agencies and their funding priorities is essential to ensure that IU maximizes its chances of securing grants.
Facilitating team building for federal funding programs is another key responsibility of the Executive Director. This involves bringing together interdisciplinary teams of researchers and fostering collaboration among them to enhance the competitiveness of funding proposals. By leveraging the diverse expertise within IU, the Executive Director plays a crucial role in ensuring that research teams are well-positioned to win federal grants.
Developing advocacy strategies is a vital aspect of the Executive Director’s role. This includes working closely with IU Research’s National Defense R&D Relations Director to align advocacy efforts with federal defense funding priorities. Additionally, collaborating with IU University Relations is crucial to effectively communicate IU’s research capabilities and funding needs to federal policymakers. The Executive Director will design and implement comprehensive advocacy strategies to ensure IU’s research interests are well-represented to federal funding agencies.
As the top advisor to IU Research on federal funding trends and opportunities, the Executive Director is responsible for analyzing large-scale Request for Proposal (RFP) documents. This involves dissecting complex RFPs and providing strategic advice to faculty on how to position their research proposals for success. By carefully analyzing funding trends and opportunities, the Executive Director helps IU researchers stay ahead of emerging fields and align their research agendas with federal funding priorities.
Building and nurturing relationships with funding agency representatives is another important responsibility. By cultivating strong connections with key personnel at federal funding agencies, the Executive Director helps IU establish a favorable reputation and better communicate its research strengths. This networking ensures that IU remains on the radar of federal funders and increases the likelihood of securing funding.
To track funding trends effectively, the Executive Director must stay abreast of changes and developments in federal funding programs. By continuously monitoring these trends, the Executive Director can provide timely advice and insights to IU researchers and leadership. This knowledge helps IU Research stay competitive and adapt its strategies to align with emerging funding opportunities.
Implementing advocacy strategies involves working closely with internal stakeholders, such as faculty, research centers, and IU Research leadership. The Executive Director collaborates with the IU Research team to ensure seamless execution of advocacy plans and initiatives. By coordinating these efforts, the Executive Director helps maintain consistency in IU’s messaging and actions related to federal funding.
The Executive Director also plays a crucial role in assisting faculty in acquiring federal research funding. This involves providing guidance throughout the grant application process, including proposal development, budgeting, and compliance. The Executive Director’s knowledge of federal funding agencies and their requirements ensures that faculty are well-prepared and have the best chance of securing funding for their research endeavors.
Leading a team that advises IU Research leadership is an essential responsibility of the Executive Director. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, the Executive Director ensures that the team functions effectively and provides valuable insights and recommendations to IU Research leadership. This leadership role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively guide and empower the team.
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Qualifications
To excel in this role, a terminal degree is required. The Executive Director of Federal Agency R&D Relations must possess advanced academic qualifications to understand and navigate the complexities of federal funding agencies and programs. This elevated level of expertise enables the Executive Director to provide informed guidance to IU researchers and leadership.
Experience working with federal funding agencies is crucial for this position. The Executive Director should have firsthand knowledge of how federal agencies operate, the intricacies of the grant application process, and the funding landscape. This experience enables the Executive Director to effectively advocate for IU and strategically position the university for funding success.
Familiarity with key federal agencies is a must. The Executive Director should have a deep understanding of the missions, priorities, and funding mechanisms of major federal agencies that play a significant role in funding research initiatives. This knowledge is vital in identifying suitable funding opportunities and tailoring advocacy strategies to meet each agency’s requirements.
Excellent communication skills are essential for the Executive Director. Clear and effective communication enables the Executive Director to convey IU’s research strengths, funding needs, and priorities to federal funding agencies, university stakeholders, and researchers. Strong interpersonal skills facilitate collaboration and relationship-building with various stakeholders, both internally and externally.
The ability to lead diverse research teams is a critical qualification for the Executive Director. As team building and collaboration are key responsibilities, the Executive Director must possess the leadership skills required to foster an inclusive and productive working environment. This involves creating a culture of collaboration, promoting teamwork, and leveraging the diverse expertise within IU to maximize research outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
While not required, a Ph.D. or experience as a Program Director/Manager within a federal funding agency is a preferred qualification for the Executive Director position. These qualifications provide a deeper understanding of both academia and the inner workings of federal agencies. Such experience brings valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance the effectiveness of the Executive Director in advocating for federal funding on behalf of IU.
Location
The Executive Director of Federal Agency R&D Relations position can be based either in Indianapolis, Indiana, or Washington, D.C. Both locations offer unique advantages and opportunities. However, it is important to note that for DC-based applicants, travel to Indiana University is required for one week per month. This travel ensures that the Executive Director maintains close connections with IU Research and effectively collaborates with the university’s stakeholders.
In summary, the Executive Director of Federal Agency R&D Relations at Indiana University plays a critical role in representing IU to federal funding agencies, monitoring federal funding initiatives, and developing legislative strategies. With a focus on advising IU Research on funding opportunities, facilitating team building, and executing advocacy strategies, this position is essential to ensure IU’s continued success in securing federal research funding. Exceptional qualifications, experience in federal funding agencies, and strong leadership skills are key attributes for this role. Whether based in Indianapolis or Washington, D.C., the Executive Director plays a crucial role in advancing IU’s research agenda and strengthening its relationships with federal funding agencies.
