Executive Director of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, & Simulation Center - Old Dominion University

Posting Details








Job Title Executive Director of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, & Simulation Center



Department VIRGINIA SIMULATION CNTR



Position Number F0213A



Job Description

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.







Position Type FullTime



Type of Recruitment General Public



Type of Recruitment General Public



Minimum Qualifications - knowledge, skills, and abilities

· Demonstrated success in securing funding and managing complex research projects with a significant external funding history. Demonstrated success in development and management of center-level grants and research contracts.


· Established network within the funding community (e.g., academic, government, military, industry, foundation).


· Proven expertise in M&S, data analytics, or related areas, with practical application of these skills.


· Deep knowledge of the national and international M&S research landscape.


· Demonstrated commitment to research and mentorship, with experience in fostering a supportive and productive research environment.


· Experience in conflict resolution, team development, and promoting leadership qualities in others.


· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering collaborative initiatives.


· Strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and research practices.











Minimum Qualifications - Education or training

The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. or Master’s degree with 10 years of experience in M&S, Data Science, Operations Research, Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.





Minimum Qualifications - Special licenses, registration or certification

The successful candidate will have experience securing research funding, a commitment to research excellence and team development, and the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.





Preferred Qualifications



+ Previous leadership role in a research center, academic department, or equivalent setting, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex academic and research environments.



+ Substantial publication record in peer-reviewed journals, technical reports/publications, and proven active participation in professional associations.



+ A record of accomplishment of advocating for faculty, fostering talent development, and contributing positively to a fulfilling work environment.







Conditions of Employment



Location Suffolk, VA



Job Open Date 09/30/2024



Application Review Date 10/14/2024



Open Until Filled Yes



Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Interested candidates should visit https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/21359 to apply and attach the following with their online application:




+ A cover letter.



+ A curriculum vitae.



+ A statement of research interests.



+ Unofficial graduate transcripts.



+ Contact information for 3 professional references. When your application is submitted, the application site will request letters of recommendation from these individuals.







Applications must be submitted by October 14, 2024for full consideration. The position will remain open until it is filled.





VMASC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who contribute to our mission of advancing research and innovation.





Telework Friendly No



Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.





Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity at (757) 683-3141.





Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.





College Home Page



Department Home Page

https://vmasc.org











Posting Specific Questions



Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).





+ * Are you eligible and able to obtain a U.S. security clearance?



+ No



+ Yes







+ * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?



+ The Chronicle of Higher Education (website or print)



+ Higheredjobs.com



+ DiverseJobs.com



+ InsightIntoDiversity.com



+ Jobs.Virginia.gov



+ Old Dominion University website



+ Virginia Pilot (website or print)



+ Richmond Times Dispatch (website or print)



+ Academic Keys



+ Other







+ If you selected "Other," how did you hear about this employment opportunity?

(Open Ended Question)







Applicant Documents

Required Documents



+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application



+ Curriculum Vitae



+ Statement of Research Interests



+ Unofficial Graduate Transcripts



+ Contact Information for Professional References



Optional Documents