Founding Director, National Security AI Initiative

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks a Founding Director for the National Security Initiative (NSI). The role leads sponsored AI research, builds a diverse team, and forges academic, federal, and industry partnerships to advance national security priorities.

The Founding Director will establish NSI's vision, governance, and growth, reporting to the University Research Organization and guiding sponsored programs from inception toward a nationally recognized center of excellence.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to build and lead transformative national security research programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of interdisciplinary AI research programs aligned with national security priorities.
• Guide proposal development efforts for large-scale federal funding opportunities.
• Establish organizational structure, governance, and operations for NSI with sustainable growth.
• Foster collaborations across MSU and external partners to advance NSI goals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Entrepreneurial mindset

Leadership & team-building

Communication & relationship mgmt

Education

Graduate degree in engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, data science, physical sciences, public policy, or related field

Job description

Michigan State University seeks a Founding Director for the National Security Initiative (NSI). The role leads sponsored AI research, builds a diverse team, and forges academic, federal, and industry partnerships to advance national security priorities.

The Founding Director will establish NSI's vision, governance, and growth, reporting to the University Research Organization and guiding sponsored programs from inception toward a nationally recognized center of excellence.