Executive Director, IRIM - Open Rank/Title Academic/Research Faculty

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Georgia Tech seeks an Executive Director for the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM) to champion robotics initiatives, build partnerships, and lead world‑class research, student engagement, and collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofits.

The role requires visionary leadership, exemplary communication, budget oversight, and a track record of securing external funding to advance IRIM’s strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a field relevant to robotics and interdisciplinary research.
• Tenured faculty rank or equivalent senior-level position in industry or government.
• Experience leading large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives with significant external funding.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision to advance IRIM as a recognized leader in robotics research and innovation.
• Mobilize and amplify the impact of the IRIM community, aligning strengths around high‑impact research priorities and major initiatives.
• Act as a servant‑leader: listen, earn trust, and support faculty, staff, and students so they can excel.
• Provide strategic leadership for IRIM’s research agenda and organizational direction, ensuring alignment with campus stakeholders.
• Secure and support major research initiatives, partnerships, and funding opportunities to grow IRIM’s portfolio.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to build a robust funding base for faculty research.
• Supervise staff and non‑tenure‑track research faculty, mentor and develop the team, and steward IRIM’s budget and financial commitments.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication skills

Financial management

Collaborative leadership

Research expertise

Education

Terminal degree in robotics/interdisciplinary field

Tenured faculty rank or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

Georgia Tech is seeking an Executive Director of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM). The role will champion robotics initiatives across campus, build partnerships, and lead world‑class research, student engagement, and collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofits.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision to advance IRIM as a recognized leader in robotics research and innovation.
• Mobilize and amplify the impact of the IRIM community, aligning strengths around high‑impact research priorities and major initiatives.
• Act as a servant‑leader: listen, earn trust, and support faculty, staff, and students so they can excel.
• Provide strategic leadership for IRIM’s research agenda and organizational direction, ensuring alignment with campus stakeholders.
• Secure and support major research initiatives, partnerships, and funding opportunities to grow IRIM’s portfolio.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to build a robust funding base for faculty research.
• Supervise staff and non‑tenure‑track research faculty, mentor and develop the team, and steward IRIM’s budget and financial commitments.

Required Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a field relevant to robotics and interdisciplinary research.
• Tenured faculty rank or equivalent senior‑level industry or government position.
• Experience leading large‑scale interdisciplinary research initiatives and securing significant external funding.
• Track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Visionary, innovative, and experienced collaborative leader with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to promote IRIM’s initiatives externally and internally.
• Demonstrated ability to guide, influence, and lead teams; foster professional growth and manage budgets and finances with transparency.
• Deep knowledge and research expertise in at least one of IRIM’s focus areas (e.g., robotics, AI+ML, ethics, etc.).

Contact Information

Please direct any questions to Robert Kadel at [e-mail]