Senior Manager, Research and Innovation Program

SUMMARY

This position will work collaboratively with Technical Advancement staff, other departments, members, and funders to build, grow, and manage AMPP's nascent program of applied research and innovation including technical, economic, and policy research. The program will prioritize research pipelines that help AMPP achieve its mission across our offerings, such as research-to-standards initiatives, research symposia and events, peer-reviewed publications, advocacy, workforce development, data publishing, researcher tools and resources, and support of the research community within AMPP's membership. It will seek to open new avenues of industry collaboration and resources while complementing the work of the existing research community within the AMPP membership.

This position is responsible for administration and oversight of AMPP's portfolio of research and innovation projects and programs and collaborative efforts with other institutions, government and industry entities, and academia. It will ensure that projects, governance, contracts, and outputs are aligned to AMPP's mission and goals. This position will serve in a visible leadership role with industry and member groups. It will ensure AMPP's compliance with funding requirements and compliance by AMPP partners and contractors.

The first one to two years will be focused on creating and implementing project governance, administrative procedures, and mechanisms for project evaluation and prioritization. This will transition into operations as the program gets established. This position will have no direct reports initially but will require a high level of cross-department collaboration and the ability to work with industry stakeholders, consultants, and member groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Create and manage standalone projects, consortia, grant-funded or sponsored research, funding marketplaces, industry-academic collaborations, tech incubators, Research-as-a-Service, or other models.
• Create and manage program management processes and procedures, including contractual and grant compliance, project selection, and governance groups.
• Build and develop relationships with relevant stakeholders both in and out of the organization, including industry, government, research organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure AMPP has a seat at the table in key research projects related to materials protection and performance.
• Work with members and industry groups and Technical Engagement staff to seed and develop research topics, conduct gaps analyses, and work with stakeholder groups on mapping both existing/ongoing research needs that AMPP may be positioned to advance.
• Assist in developing projects, consortia, collaborations, centers of excellence, or similar structures to organize and conduct research identified as priority topics.
• Lead the identification and pursuit of funding support from industry and government sources.
• Recruit consortia members and participants for specific initiatives.
• Soliciting financial, operational, and in-kind support and partnerships for operation of the program.
• Communicate in a cooperative and professional manner with all levels of AMPP staff, members, and customers to ensure a positive brand image, teamwork, alignment, and attainment of organizational goals.
• Represent AMPP with member groups, outside technical groups, committees, associations, and projects.
• Hire, develop, coach, and inspire talent to effectively lead and manage within responsible departments and business units to ensure attainment of goals and in alignment with AMPP culture and core values.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

20-30% travel is expected for this role and a valid driver's license and passport is required. Travel in the first years may be more extensive while developing funding sources. Remote work is acceptable, or this position can work from the Houston or Pittsburgh headquarters. A remote work base from a metro area near concentrations of potential research funders is helpful, such as in D.C. or an industrial or government R&D hub related to AMPP's mission.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering / STEM field required; advanced degree preferred in a related field or combination of relevant STEM and management fields
• Education or experience in engineering, physical sciences, a related STEM discipline, economics, public policy, or research administration is preferred.
• Experience with a membership organization, research institution, technology incubator, center of excellence, academia, NGO, or government agency is preferred.
• Understanding and experience with applied Research and Development (R&D), sponsored projects administration, research program management, industry consortia, technology incubators, funding development, or stakeholder engagement is highly preferred.
• At least 7-10 years' managerial experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to work with diverse cultures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Demonstrate a strong leadership presence, professional and personal confidence, maturity and other qualities and characteristics to represent the organization. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Critical Success Factors of this position are:

• Champion AMPP's culture, lead by example and hold others accountable
• Self-confidence and self-motivation, strategic thinker while being attentive to the detail and goal-oriented.
• Strong entrepreneurial skills and business acumen to identify opportunities that advance the mission of the organization and increase revenue for AMPP.
• Ability to successfully balance operational management and strategic leadership, doing what it takes to get the job done.
• Comfortable with operating in and leading in an environment of disruption and change.
• Comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility
• An open, accessible leadership style encouraging free exchange of ideas, including differing points of view, and cross functional innovation and collaboration.
• A leader who is dedicated to the mission of AMPP and is committed to providing quality programs and achieving excellence in everything they do.
• Results oriented and creative problem solver.
• Highest degree of ethics and integrity.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, members, employees of the organization, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, etc. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to develop and interpret business graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES

Ability to work in a multi-task environment taking into account various external factors and to communicate efficiently and accurately to both managers/supervisors and subordinate staff.

Must be computer literate with knowledge and experience in digital communication (email, virtual meetings, etc.), word processing, and spreadsheet software. Ability to learn and use association specific software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.