Associate Director of Defense and Security Collaborations
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
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Location of Vacancy:
Outside Georgia
EEO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Classification Title:
Researcher AC
Faculty Rank:
Assistant Research Scientist
Contract Type:
Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status:
Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications:
Terminal degree.
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.
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
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
Yes
Credit And P-Card Policy:
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
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
Online Audio and Video Media
Other, Information Technology, and Management
Full-time