Adm & Ops Exec Director for Defense Business Development (Project Management)

Join the Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) as the Administrative & Operations Executive Director for Defense Business Development! Here, you will be responsible for all strategic planning, execution, and partnership and relationship through collaboration with OU faculty researchers, OADII leadership, and associate directors to identify, develop, and apply research solutions addressing critical defense-related challenges. This position will play a vital role in advancing OADII's focus areas, including spectrum warfare, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace and information dominance, and national defense policy.

Essential Duties:

• Develops and directs a strategic business development plan aligned with the institute's long-term goals and objectives by identifying defense-related research opportunities, fostering relationships and facilitating partnerships with external and agencies.
• Leads the institute's cultivation and preservation of all strategic partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, and international collaborators.
• Negotiates and manages partnership agreements, joint ventures, and collaborative research initiatives to enhance the institute's capabilities and impact.
• Represents OADII across the university with all centers and institutes within the OU Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships and affiliated OU faculty to identify and develop research and funding opportunities.
• Provides visionary leadership that fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Builds faculty teams on the development of research grant proposals including the development of capture strategy, internal and external partnerships, business plans, and marketing plans.
  
• Conducts detailed market research, competitive analysis, and technology assessments of our nation's defense/security research needs and matches these requirements with OU's research expertise and capabilities.
  
• Acts as OADII representative at industry conferences, forums, and networking events to promote OADII's expertise, achievements, and thought leadership.
  
• Collaborates with university leadership, faculty members, and researchers to align business development efforts with academic and research priorities.
  
• Develops and manages budgets for business development activities, ensuring effective resource allocation and financial sustainability when applicable.
  
• Formalizes and enacts systems to track and analyze key performance metrics and financial outcomes that adequately assess the impact of business development initiatives.
  
• Performs routine reviews and performance analysis to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans including alignment of resources for the pursuit of opportunities, develop and improve upon processes.
  
• Ensures compliance of university policies, funding agency regulations, and legal requirements related to business development activities.
  
• Mitigates risks associated with contracts, partnerships, and intellectual property through thorough due diligence and strategic planning.
  
• Assists with development research grant sessions including technical, management, teaming, past performance, staffing, pricing, etc.
  
• Creates reports and tracks all capture expense to present findings to senior leadership and team.
  
• Ensures all required documentation is received to ensure project deadlines are met.
  
• Conducts reviews and performance analysis to identify areas for improvement and develops action plans this includes aligning resources for the pursuit of opportunities, develop and improve upon processes.
  
• Keeps abreast of industry developments, competitor activities, and regulatory changes that may impact current or future grant proposals.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Management/Business Administration, Engineering, Computer Science or related field, AND:

• 10 years of experience in business development within the national defense and security sector, including knowledge of pricing and pricing strategies across multiple contract types.

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Certifications: Active security TS clearance or ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

Skills:

• Proven track record of successful collaboration and partnership development.
• Knowledge of government contracting and acquisition trends
• Strong proposal development and writing skills, successfully conveying information
• Ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and develop innovative proposal strategies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to work independently with sensitive and confidential information and effectively communicate with diverse groups of faculty, staff, and outside stakeholders
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software
• Technical proficiency to identify research applicable to defense-related issues
• Strong understanding of government contracting and funding mechanisms
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and drive results

Working Conditions:

• Physical
  • Ability to walk, type, sit, or stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to engage in repetitive motions and communicate effectively.
  • Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods
  • Ability to communicate, including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others
  • Ability to use a computer daily
•  Environmental:
  • Ability to travel up to 50%.
  • Flexible schedule with the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays required.

Supervision: None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.