Job Information
University of Maine System Director of the Maine Research and Development Solutions Program in Orono, Maine
Statement of the Job:
The Director of the Maine Research and Development Solutions (Maine-R&DS) Program administers a new and ambitious initiative aimed at harnessing the power of research and development to solve pressing problems across the state. Maine-R&DS is a University of Maine System program that is overseen by the University of Maine President and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and coordinated through the Office of the University of Maine Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School, to whose head the Director reports. Funded by the Maine Economic Improvement Fund (MEIF), this program focuses on advancing solutions in the seven key sectors identified by MEIF: Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture, Aquaculture and Marine Sciences, Biotechnology, Composite Materials and Technologies, Environmental Technologies, Information Technologies, and Precision Manufacturing. The Director will play a key role in shaping the program's direction, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth through strategic R&D initiatives. Typical hiring range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Complete Job Description (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_2NvYWnTh4Aql7xMtnzBVjDFfOp_vCgE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109657253754302172316&rtpof=true&sd=true)
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits (https://www.maine.edu/human-resources/benefits/) for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here (https://www.visitbangormaine.com/about-the-region/the-region-at-a-glance/) .
Qualifications:
Required:
Master's degree in a field related to one of the seven sectors identified by MEIF, or in science and technology policy, management, or a related area.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in R&D, program management, or a leadership role within academia, industry, or government, with a proven track record of successful project implementation and team management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, including researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and the public.
Preferred:
A Ph.D.
Good understanding of the R&D landscape, funding mechanisms, and policy implications, particularly within the context of Maine's economy and the sectors identified by MEIF.
Leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to inspire and mobilize diverse teams and stakeholders towards common goals.
Demonstrated ability to secure funding, manage budgets, and navigate the complexities of public and private financing of R&D initiatives.
Commitment to fostering innovation, economic development, and sustainable solutions through collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Demonstrated skill and experience in oral, written, and technological communication, and the development and implementation of plans and communication strategies.
Ability to travel, normally requiring a driver’s license.
How to apply:
Materials must be submitted via "Apply Now" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
a resume/curriculum vitae
Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.
Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by July 31, 2024.
Appropriate background checks are required.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report by clicking on this link: https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-report/. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.