Vice President - Science Education Programs
Oak Ridge Associated Universities

 Job Snapshot
Location:
100 Badger Way
Oak Ridge, TN

Employee Type:
Full-Time
Industry:
Other Great Industries
Manages Others:
No
Job Type:
Executive
Government
Education:
Graduate Degree
Experience:
At least 10 year(s)
Post Date:
10/18/2011
 Description

As a university consortium, Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) creates and promotes collaborative partnerships among academia, government, and industry to strengthen our nation’s scientific research and education enterprise.  We invest in our employees, offering them opportunities to continue to enhance their expertise and stay at the forefront of their fields as well as a competitive benefits package.  Over the past few years we have been recognized as a top employer in Knoxville and the state of Tennessee.

 

 

PURPOSE OF VP for Science Education Programs: To provide leadership, coordination, oversight, and direction for science education programs that account for about $200 million in annual expenditures for Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). Conduct business development to maintain a robust and growing portfolio of science education programs. Design, implementation, operation and assessment of graduate and postgraduate fellowship, undergraduate scholarship, internship, and research participation programs, and other seminars, meetings and events that support the development of a pool of talented science and technology professionals for the future.

 

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

Strategic Leadership of Program Unit: Lead the process of setting strategic direction, prioritizing tasks, planning current and future operations, and guiding the direction of science education program activities. Set the direction and lead by example to maintain ORAU’s position as a national leader and innovator in the operation of fellowship, scholarship, internship, teacher development, and other science education programs and activities. Develop a national network of professional contacts and partnerships to enhance capabilities and collaborate with strong nationally recognized organizations and professional associations where appropriate. Represent ORAU in local, national, and international events and meetings related to science education.

 

Program Development: Maintain a healthy rate of growth for a diverse portfolio of programmatic activities. Develop new sources of funding and expand work with current program sponsors by assessing their needs, assisting in planning efforts, conceptualizing new programs, proposing new activities, negotiating final agreements, implementing new programs, evaluating activities, and building creative mechanisms to respond to sponsors’ needs. Requires a combination of knowledge, experience, professional contacts, and creativity; these are necessary qualities to deal effectively with the U.S. Department of Energy; to develop work through DOE’s Work-for-Others Program; and to respond to formal Requests for Proposals, Broad Agency Announcements, Foundation Opportunities and other competitive procurement mechanisms. A demonstrated record of successful program development is essential at levels commensurate with the management and maintenance of a $200 million per year program unit. A respectable record of publications in recognized, peer-reviewed journals, books and other publications is expected.

 

Program Management: Provide oversight as needed to ensure that science education programs are managed in compliance with all federal and ORAU policies, procedures, guidelines and operating standards. Take responsibility for hiring, performance management, compensation, and other human resource management functions in cooperation with ORAU’s Office of Human Resources. Monitor quality of operations and assure that work is completed on schedule and within budget. Provide direct line-management of a staff of more than 120 individuals in a way that establishes a productive and pleasant work environment by setting realistic expectations, modeling excellent work habits, communicating effectively, delegating responsibilities, and holding staff members accountable for their work. Set high standards in business ethics, professionalism, performance, and service. Ensure that staff members have appropriate professional development opportunities and allocate staff among projects to optimize the use of their skills to accomplish multiple objectives. Provide effective leadership, communicate program direction, articulate clear objectives, establish realistic expectations, provide career development opportunities, delegate authority appropriately, and resolve conflicts.

 
Participate in ORAU Planning and Management: Participate as a member of the ORAU management team. Develop and implement strategic and tactical goals and objectives, including the development of new capabilities and ways of doing business to ensure long-term viability of ORAU and its current and future lines of business. Understand ORAU’s program sponsors, programs, and capabilities; conceptualize new capabilities consistent with ORAU’s overall business objectives and strategic plans; combine the capabilities of program units across ORAU to develop innovative solutions to customer needs; assist ORAU managers in promoting effective and efficient processes; and other complementary activities.

 

Assume Other Responsibilities as Needed: Participate in external conferences and serve on professional task forces, advisory committees, panels, and other state, regional, and national groups with a focus on strengthening science education to help keep ORAU in a strong leadership role. Participate internally on ORAU committees and working groups and cooperate in the coordination of all ORAU science education and related activities
 Requirements

    The preferred candidate will have a Ph.D. in a research based, scientific discipline and more than 10 years job related experience in a university, a federal agency with a scientific mission, a federal laboratory or research center, or appropriate professional society or organization with a focus on science education.
    This requirement could also be satisfied with a master’s degree and appropriate relevant experience.
    Requires constant interaction with DOE managers, scientific staff in federal laboratories, faculty members and administrators in leading colleges and universities, and other research and education groups.
    Must be able to demonstrate a successful record of securing and managing federal funds.
    Must be conversant in a variety of scientific disciplines and have broad knowledge of science, scientific research, the role of the federal government in R&D, the operation of university research programs, and the activities of the full range of federal agencies with a scientific mission.

View the full listing here.