Assistant Vice President for National Security Research

Classification Title:

Assistant Vice President

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.

Job Description:

Administrative responsibilities of the Assistant Vice President include: i) operation, leadership and growth of new national security research center in Jacksonville; ii) research program development across the UF research enterprise in the areas of defense and national security; iii) policy development and advising on defense and security matters, iv) liaison with cooperating units within UF, state, federal, and international government agencies, and professional and governmental organizations; and v) development, promotion, and coordination of funding opportunities for UF faculty.  The Assistant Vice President serves a 12-month appointment and may, as appropriate, be offered a faculty appointment within a suitable academic unit at the University of Florida appropriate to the appointee’s discipline.  The initial appointment as Assistant Vice President is five years with the opportunity for additional terms. 

 

Operation, leadership and growth of new national security research center in Jacksonville
- provide visionary leadership to define the center’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities in alignment with evolving national defense and security imperatives
-Oversee day-to-day functions including program administration, staffing, research coordination, compliance, and stakeholder engagement
-Foster collaborative partnerships with federal agencies, defense industry, academia, and regional organizations to drive innovation and secure funding
-Develop a sustainable infrastructure and governance model to support long-term success and establish Jacksonville as a strategic node in the national security research ecosystem.

Research program development across the UF research enterprise in the areas of defense and national security
-Provide strategic leadership in the initiation, coordination, and advancement of research programs across the University of Florida’s diverse research enterprise, with a dedicated focus on defense, intelligence, and national security domains. Serve as the primary institutional catalyst for identifying emerging federal and industry priorities, translating those into actionable research opportunities, and positioning UF as a national leader in security-related innovation.

Policy development and advising on defense and security matters
-Serve as the university’s senior advisor and strategic lead for developing, implementing, and refining policies related to defense and national security research, infrastructure, and compliance. Provide expert guidance to UF | Research and university leadership on emerging federal policy trends, regulatory changes, and institutional obligations in high-security research environments. Advise campus stakeholders—including deans, center directors, and research faculty—on defense-related engagement, risk mitigation, and the ethical implications of national security partnerships.

Liaison with cooperating units within UF, state, federal, and international government agencies, and professional and governmental organizations
-Serve as a senior-level bridge between the University of Florida and a broad spectrum of collaborating entities—including internal academic and research units, state and federal government agencies, international partners, and professional organizations—within the scope of defense and national security research initiatives. Build and sustain meaningful relationships that advance UF’s mission as a globally engaged, security-conscious research institution.
-Represent UF in national and international forums, advisory groups, academic consortia, and strategic dialogues focused on defense innovation, research integrity, and security policy. Advocate for UF’s research capabilities and institutional values, while ensuring the university remains responsive to the evolving landscape of defense-related funding, compliance, and collaboration.

Development, promotion, and coordination of funding opportunities for UF faculty
-Lead institution-wide efforts to identify, develop, and promote funding opportunities that advance UF’s research. Work collaboratively with faculty, research administrators, and external sponsors to grow the university’s portfolio of competitive awards in key areas aligned with priorities.
-Coordinate cross-disciplinary initiatives to position UF investigators for success with major federal sponsors. Build and maintain strategic tools, templates, and outreach platforms to guide proposal preparation, elevate faculty visibility, and streamline engagement with sponsors.

Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education & Experience

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.

The Assistant Vice President must be eligible to secure a DoD security clearance of Top Secret or higher.

Preferred:

Ph. D. in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience; or a master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and ten years of appropriate experience.

 

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of technical skills, analytical abilities, and strong communication skills to effectively identify, analyze, and mitigate security risks.

 

The Assistant Vice President must be eligible to secure a DoD security clearance of Top Secret or higher.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, applicants must provide a cover letter, resume and list of professional references.

This position is located on the University of Florida main campus in Gainesville, FL and is not a remote work position.

A criminal background check is required.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No