Director, National Security Initiatives

Research Development Services at the University of Arizona is in search of a Director, National Security Initiatives. The Director, National Security Initiatives serves as the University of Arizona's business development officer for national security-related research. Operating within the Office of Research and Partnerships (ORP) with a matrixed reporting line to the Kyl Institute for National Security, this position leads strategic engagement with the Department of War (including the Army, Navy, Space Force, and Air Force), National Laboratories (e.g., Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore), the Intelligence Community, and private-sector defense and aerospace industry partners. The Director cultivates and manages relationships that translate into sponsored research agreements, classified research programs, cooperative research arrangements, and large-scale federal contracts in support of the University's research mission and national security competitiveness. Research Development Services (RDS) is here to help U of A researchers facilitate effective and funded research collaborations.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position will require the ability to travel.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Strategic Business Development & Relationship Management

• Lead business development activities targeting the Department of War (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and related DoW components.
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with defense-portions of National Laboratory partners (Sandia, Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Argonne, and others) to develop joint research programs, user agreements, and cooperative R&D arrangements (CRADAs).
• Identify and pursue new research sponsorship opportunities with defense-related industry partners (prime contractors, technology companies, aerospace and defense firms) and convert prospects into funded research agreements.
• Represent the University at national security conferences, industry days, Congressional briefings, and defense community events to build institutional visibility and research pipeline.
• Develop and execute annual business development plans with clear pipeline metrics, win targets, and sponsor engagement schedules; report progress to SVP for Research and Kyl Institute leadership.

Sensitive Research Portfolio Management

• Serve as the University point of contact for sponsored research involving classified, controlled unclassified information (CUI), and export-controlled (ITAR/EAR) research programs.
• Coordinate with the U of A Facility Security Officer (FSO), the Office of Export Controls, and Research Compliance to ensure all classified research proposals and awards comply with applicable federal regulations, security requirements, and university policy.
• Ensure, in coordination with the Kyl Institute and the Research Security Office, the development and maintenance of facility clearance (FCL) infrastructure, including collaboration with federal oversight bodies on secure facility requirements.
• Manage relationships with DoD program managers and contracting officers for active classified research contracts and ensure seamless transition from business development to award execution.

Program Strategy & Proposal Development

• Direct the development and preparation of white papers, capability statements, and formal research proposals in response to Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and directed solicitations from DoD and National Lab sponsors.
• Collaborate with faculty, research centers, and ORP colleagues to identify and package University research capabilities that align with national security sponsor priorities.
• Negotiate terms for Letters of Intent (LOIs), Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), and research contracts; recommend approval to executive leadership.
• Coordinate with the Office of Technology Transfer on dual-use technology, intellectual property considerations, and licensing opportunities arising from national security research.

Cross-Institutional Leadership & Kyl Institute Alignment

• Maintain active matrixed collaboration with the Kyl Institute for National Security, participating in programmatic planning, advisory board activities, and joint initiatives that intersect research and policy dimensions of national security.
• Provide strategic input to Kyl Institute leadership on research funding trends, sponsor priorities, and emerging opportunities that could inform institute programming.
• Represent the intersection of research and national security policy in University-wide strategic planning discussions, including cross-college and interdisciplinary national security initiatives.
• Build and steward a University-wide network of faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues engaged in national security research to support coordinated, competitive positioning.

Administrative & Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and mentoring to any staff, graduate assistants, or business and research development associates within the national security programs function.
• Develop and manage program budgets related to national security business development activities, sponsor visits, and outreach initiatives.
• Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of the national security research portfolio using CRM and research administration systems; provide regular pipeline and portfolio reports to senior leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the national security ecosystem - including DoW organizational structures, federal agencies, National Laboratory partnership models, and defense innovation pathways (e.g., SBIR, OTAs, CRADAs) - combined with familiarity with university research administration environments.
• Skilled in building and sustaining strategic partnerships across government, industry, and academia, with demonstrated ability to engage credibly and influence outcomes at senior leadership levels.
• Skilled in identifying research sponsorship opportunities, aligning institutional capabilities to sponsor mission needs, and developing a sustained pipeline of mission-relevant research activity.
• Ability to manage relationships and program performance, including proficiency with CRM tools, stakeholder tracking systems, and reporting frameworks that support leadership decision-making.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational environments, influencing without direct authority, and translating high-level strategic priorities into concrete, actionable plans with clear accountabilities.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (Engineering, Physical Sciences, National Security Studies, Public Policy, Business Administration, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in research development, sponsored programs, defense/government contracting, or national security business development, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership capacity.

• Advanced degree (Master's or Doctorate) preferred in a STEM discipline or national security-relevant field.
• Experience in a research university, National Laboratory, or defense contractor environment preferred.
• Experience designing and executing multi-stakeholder programs and research networks that drive meaningful collaboration, defined governance, and measurable research and business development outcomes.