Director-Management

About the role

The National Security Initiative (NSI) will serve as a premier hub for collaborative engagement among academia, federal agencies, national laboratories, industry, and defense-oriented organizations. Through transformative research, talent development, and technology transition, the initiative will pursue high-impact opportunities aligned with critical national priorities. The Founding Director will shape and lead this mission-driven organization from its formative stage into a nationally recognized center of excellence with the long-term vision of evolving into a federally-supported National Security research enterprise with multiple core competencies in the security sector.

Responsibilities

• Research Strategy and Program Development (40%)
  • Lead the development of high-impact, interdisciplinary research programs in applied AI aligned with national security priorities.
  • Guide and support proposal development efforts for large-scale federal funding opportunities.
  • Establish and oversee seed funding initiatives designed to catalyze innovative and high-risk/high-reward research.
  • Promote the translation of research discoveries into deployable technologies, operational capabilities, and strategic solutions.
  • Facilitate collaboration across MSU colleges, departments, and research centers to strengthen institutional competitiveness.
  • Ensure effective execution, evaluation, and continuous improvement of NSI-sponsored programs and initiatives.
• Strategic Leadership and Initiative Development (35%)
  • Develop and execute a bold strategic vision for NSI aligned with MSU’s institutional priorities and evolving national security objectives.
  • Build and scale NSI into a nationally recognized center known for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mission impact.
  • Establish the organizational structure, governance processes, operational framework, and culture necessary for long-term success.
  • Lead strategic planning initiatives in partnership with the VPRI, Governing Board, and Faculty Advisory Board.
  • Identify emerging national security challenges and position NSI to respond proactively through targeted research and partnership opportunities.
  • Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and collaboration across the NSI.
  • Recruit, develop, and mentor high-performing research, technical, and administrative personnel.
  • Oversee financial stewardship, budget planning, and sustainable growth strategies for the NSI.
• External Engagement and Partnership Development (15%)
  • Serve as the principal representative and spokesperson for NSI with federal agencies, national laboratories, industry partners, academic institutions, and philanthropic organizations.
  • Cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), intelligence community organizations, and related federal entities.
  • Advance MSU’s national reputation and visibility in the national security and defense innovation ecosystem.
  • Develop and sustain partnerships that support sponsored research, workforce development, technology transition, and commercialization initiatives.
  • Engage with policymakers, senior government officials, and industry executives to identify collaborative opportunities and strategic priorities.
  • Position NSI to compete successfully for major federal research centers, consortia, and center-level funding opportunities.
• Education, Workforce Development, and Outreach (5%)
  • Develop educational and workforce development programs that prepare students and early-career researchers for leadership roles in the national security workforce.
  • Expand experiential learning opportunities, including internships, fellowships, workshops, and engagement with government and industry partners.
  • Promote interdisciplinary learning and research experiences that strengthen talent pipelines into national security careers.
  • Advance outreach initiatives that increase awareness of national security challenges and career pathways.
• Governance, Compliance, and Research Security (5%)
  • Partner with AVP for Research Security to ensure all NSI activities comply with university policies, federal regulations, export control requirements, and MSU research security standards.
  • Oversee NSI’s secure research operations in coordination with AVP for Research Security and foster a culture of ethical conduct and responsible research practices.
  • Ensure appropriate governance structures, risk management practices, and compliance processes are developed to support NSI’s research mission.
  • Provide regular updates and strategic reports to university leadership, the Governing Board, and Advisory Board regarding NSI performance, impact metrics, and growth opportunities.

Requirements

• Required Degree: Master’s in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or another field relevant to national security research and innovation.
• Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or another field relevant to national security research and innovation.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing significant federal research funding and/or leading large-scale interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the federal research and national security funding landscape.
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Desired Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (doctorate or equivalent professional degree) in a relevant discipline.
  • Experience leading or managing DARPA-style, ARPA-E, IARPA, or similarly mission-focused research and development programs.
  • Existing professional relationships across DoD, DoE, DHS, intelligence community organizations, and/or national laboratories.
  • Experience in technology transition, commercialization, or dual-use innovation programs.
  • Familiarity with classified research environments and secure facilities operations.

Skills

• Deep understanding of the national security ecosystem in the applied AI area, including federal R&D priorities, acquisition pathways, defense innovation initiatives, and policy trends.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and lead transformative initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and team-building capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-management skills with the ability to engage effectively across technical, academic, government, and executive audiences.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Knowledge of export control regulations, research security compliance, and federal contracting requirements.
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.