Executive Director — Digital Maritime Innovation & Growth

Old Dominion University; Suffolk, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University seeks an Executive Director to grow the Virginia Digital Maritime Center through applied research, workforce development, and economic growth in Virginia’s maritime sector, especially Hampton Roads. The role emphasizes leadership, fundraising, and strong partnerships with government, industry, and academia.

The Executive Director will mentor a diverse team, secure funding, and align VDMC activities with ODU’s research strategy while expanding national and international

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, operations research, economics, or a related field.
• 20+ years of leadership experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Successful collaboration with business, military, government, and education partners.
• Proven mentoring, talent development, and positive work-environment contributions.
• Established network within the maritime funding community (academic, government, military, industry, foundation).
• Proven technical expertise in the maritime sector with practical applications.
• Deep knowledge of national and international maritime landscape.
• Experience in conflict resolution, team development, and promoting leadership qualities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to obtain a US security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Continue and accelerate VDMC’s growth as a national and international leader in digital maritime research, workforce development, and economic development.
• Develop and implement strategic goals for VDMC in terms of research vision, growth, funding, and outreach.
• Cultivate domestic and international partnerships with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to expand funded research opportunities.
• Socialize and promote VDMC’s research, and researchers, in various forums, enhancing its reputation as a leader in digital maritime research.
• Champion a culture of research excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students while mentoring VDMC’s team.
• Oversee operational, financial, and administrative functions to ensure the center’s success and growth.
• Develop and implement goals that align with the broader objectives of ODU’s research strategy.
• Promote economic development activities in the region by cultivating university partnerships with businesses and governmental agencies to exploit maritime‑related technologies for commercial and socially responsible purposes.
• Identify and develop opportunities to commercialize intellectual property deriving from research and development activities.
• Engage university faculty in research development activities related to the maritime sector, leading or coordinating proposals for extramural funding and fostering intramural research collaboratives.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs leadership to design, field, and promote academic and workforce development programs related to digital maritime research.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

DEI commitment

Security clearance readiness

Education

Master’s degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, operations research, economics, or related field

Ph.D. in related field or senior executive government/industry experience

Job description

Old Dominion University seeks an Executive Director to grow the Virginia Digital Maritime Center through applied research, workforce development, and economic growth in Virginia’s maritime sector, especially Hampton Roads. The role emphasizes leadership, fundraising, and strong partnerships with government, industry, and academia.

The Executive Director will mentor a diverse team, secure funding, and align VDMC activities with ODU’s research strategy while expanding national and international