Executive Director: Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center (VMASC)

Comses; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research center in Virginia is looking for an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership in the field of Modeling and Simulation. The candidate will guide research initiatives, develop strategic partnerships, and enhance the center’s reputation and financial sustainability. This role demands strong skills in data analytics and the ability to promote collaborative cultures in research. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mentorship and operational management.

Qualifications

• Strong visionary leadership and innovation skills in Modeling and Simulation and data analytics.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic goals.
• Ability to cultivate domestic and international partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Guide VMASC's research initiatives and strategic planning.
• Promote economic development activities related to M&S.
• Oversee operational, financial, and administrative functions.

Skills

Visionary leadership

Data analytics

Modeling & Simulation (M&S)

Strategic planning

Partnership development

Mentorship

Job description

Executive Director: Virginia Modeling, Analysis & Simulation Center (VMASC)

The Virginia Modeling, Analysis, & Simulation Center (VMASC) at Old Dominion University seeks an Executive Director with strong visionary leadership and innovation skills in Modeling and Simulation (M&S) and data analytics to grow this internationally recognized center. Responsibilities include guiding VMASC’s research initiatives, strategic planning, and operational activities and enhancing its reputation and financial sustainability. The Executive Director will lead Old Dominion University, regional, and statewide efforts to build an ecosystem of researchers, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs working in or with M&S and data analytics to solve socially important and economically valuable problems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Continue and accelerate VMASC growth as a national and international university leader in M&S theory and application in the broader context of emergent technologies such as AI and quantum computing.
• Develop and implement strategic goals for VMASC 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 VMASC’s research, and researchers, in various forums, enhancing its reputation as a leader in M&S.
• Champion a culture of research excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students while engaging actively in mentorship and professional development of VMASC’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 the newly formed Old Dominion University’s Office of Enterprise Research Innovation (OERI), of which VMASC is part.
• Promote economic development activities in the region by cultivating university partnerships with businesses and governmental agencies at all levels to exploit M&S-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 a variety of disciplines in research development activities related to M&S and data analytics, to include leading or coordinating the development and submission of proposals for extramural funding and cultivating intramural research collaboratives.
• Collaborate closely with university Academic Affairs leadership (Provost, Vice Provost, deans, and chairs) to design, field, and promote academic and workforce development programs related to M&S and data analytics.