Defense Innovation Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Director of the National Security Institute for Innovation (NSII)
Search #: 499680
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Executive
JOB SUMMARY
The Office of the Vice President for Research seeks a Director of the National Security Institute for Innovation (NSII) to provide strategic leadership for the University's expanding portfolio of defense-related research, innovation, workforce development, and external partnerships that support U.S. national and global security priorities. The Director will serve as UConn's primary integrator and external-facing leader for national security activities, aligning the University's research strengths with opportunities across the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security, other USG agencies, federal laboratories, state government, and industry.
By connecting the extensive current world-class research and innovation activities, which fall under the national security umbrella, and by strategically expanding these activities and funding opportunities in the future, the NSII will enhance the University's research enterprise and reinforce UConn's commitment to research that serves the public good. Through this role, the Director advances interdisciplinary research, strengthens applied and translational pathways, expands workforce development initiatives, and elevates UConn's national visibility and impact within the security enterprise.
The Director will work closely with colleges, institutes, and applied research entities across the University to advance UConn's contributions to national and global security.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Define and implement a cohesive vision and strategic roadmap for UConn's national security initiatives.
• Align UConn's national security research and innovation efforts with UConn's institutional priorities, public mission, and economic development goals and the United States' national security needs.
• Identify emerging security challenges and position UConn as a trusted, mission-focused partner to government and industry.
• Advise UConn on workforce development opportunities related to the national security sector.
• Foster a collaborative, interdisciplinary culture across colleges, centers, and external partners.
• Coordinate national security efforts across UConn to ensure alignment, efficiency, and strategic impact.
• Provide leadership, oversight, and supervision of both professional and administrative staff across multiple teams

Partnerships & External Engagement

• Build and sustain strong partnerships with: DOD and Military Services, Intelligence Community agencies, DHS and other federal and state agencies, national laboratories, Congressional staff, think tanks, industry and defense contractors; peer universities and consortia, etc.
• Serve as a key liaison for national security research and collaboration.
• Establish and engage UConn advisory boards composed of senior leaders from defense, intelligence, industry, academia, and alumni.
• Elevate UConn's reputation and national visibility in relation to national security innovation to grow UConn's federal advisory role and influence.

Funding, Grants & Growth

• Coordinate efforts to secure external funding, including federal research grants, cooperative agreements, and industry-sponsored research.
• Advance strategic initiatives that expand UConn's role in applied research, technology transition, and workforce development.
• Collaborate with research development, advancement, and commercialization teams to maximize impact and sustainability.
• Initiate and support large-scale federal funding strategies.

Policy, Advisement & Thought Leadership

• Support the development of policy-relevant research, white papers, and briefings for decision-makers.
• Define and drive NSII's research agenda aligned with national security priorities (e.g., supply chain resilience, defense innovation, emerging technologies).
• Collaborate with UConn's Governmental Relations and federal priorities staff.
• Represent UConn at national forums, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Translate research into actionable policy recommendations.

Research & Development

• Promote and support interdisciplinary research in areas critical to national security, including: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Analytics, Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Aerospace, Quantum computing, Autonomy and Space Systems, Energy Systems and Infrastructure Resilience, Health Security, Biosecurity, Human Performance, Supply Chain Optimization, etc.
• Connect fundamental research with applied, dual-use, and translational opportunities.

Workforce Development

• Strengthen pipelines for students, veterans, and working professionals into defense, intelligence, cyber, and engineering fields.
• Coordinate workforce initiatives aligned with federal and industry needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree and eight (8) years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of related experience.
2. Significant leadership experience in national security-related environments, including government, military, defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, or applied research organizations.
3. Demonstrated expertise in one or more national security domains.
4. Proven experience building and managing complex, cross-sector partnerships.
5. Strong record of strategic planning, innovation, and team development.
6. Experience securing or managing externally funded research programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Senior military or government leadership experience (e.g., retired General/Flag Officer, SES, or equivalent).
2. Experience working with classified, controlled, or sensitive research environments.
3. Possesses secret security clearance.
4. Leadership experience at an R1 research university or national laboratory.
5. Established national reputation and professional network within the defense and security community.
6. Experience in workforce development, professional education, or executive training.

APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The selected incumbent must be eligible for SECRET security clearance and have the ability to travel to Washington, DC frequently for in-person meetings, forums, and/or conferences.
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499680 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 11, 2026.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran's status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.
Advertised: Jul 21 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 11 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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