Job Description:
Position Announcement The National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska (NU) seeks a dynamic and results-driven Program Manager for Engagement to execute all campaigns, communications and initiatives for NSRI's engagement programs with University of Nebraska faculty. To help NSRI leverage novel capabilities in academic research to meet its mission and respond to customer challenges, this critical position will build relationships with NSRI researchers and NU faculty to understand capabilities, create engagement activities that generate collaboration and communicate the capabilities and capacity of researchers within and beyond the programs. Through engagement activities, NSRI grows a strong pipeline of focused research and development activity that can positively impact today's strategic deterrence and CWMD missions and give warfighters insight into future capabilities. The institute also seeks to inspire the next generation of the national security workforce through student development internships and programs. The Program Manager will report to the NSRI Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement (SC&E) and will interact regularly with NSRI leadership and staff as well as peers and partners across the University of Nebraska System. National Strategic Research Institute Profile NSRI is a non-profit IRS 501c(3) supporting organization of the University of Nebraska, established in 2012 to operate one of only 15 Department of Defense (DOD) University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) in the nation. NSRI is engaged in a long-term, strategic partnership with its DOD sponsor, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM). NSRI provides essential research, development and support for USSTRATCOM, other DOD components and federal agencies focused on established research core competencies, including Nuclear Detection and Forensics, Detection of Chemical and Biological Weapons, Active and Passive Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction, Consequence Management and Mission Related Research. NSRI receives funding from project sponsors through contracts generated from our sole-source, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract with USSTRATCOM, as well as other direct contract vehicles and grants. Website: nsri.nebraska.edu Applicants should note: This is a full-time 1.0 FTE position that can be based out of NSRI's offices in either Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska. Partial remote work may be authorized at the discretion of NSRI management. Periodic travel is required to NSRI's offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska System Campuses, NSRI Field Offices in Maryland, Virginia and Florida and other locations where business and/or training is conducted. Compensation: This is a managerial/professional position that is considered salaried/exempt. Salary will be commensurate with experience and contributing attributes, with $75,000/year as the minimum. Benefits: NSRI employees receive University of Nebraska-like benefits, per underlying service agreements, to include paid vacation and sick leave; insurance options; and a retirement program. NSRI also currently observes twelve (12) paid holidays each year. Applicants accepting a job offer must pass a background check and a drug test prior to starting in the position. Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities listed below are not an exclusive statement of duties and responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform other job-related activities as requested. Program Manager for Engagement key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following activities:

1. Execute NSRI's high-priority NU engagement programs, primarily the NSRI Fellows Program.
   • Execute campaigns, communications and events within the NSRI Fellows program strategic plan and charter. Required tasks include but are not limited to: writing briefs, creating schedules, assigning tasking, determining budgets, designing communications plans and producing assets.
   • Drive day-to-day implementation of campaigns, communications and events for the NSRI Fellows program, leveraging the department's organizational platforms to organize jobs, schedules and tasking.
   • Convene engagement opportunities such as in-person and Zoom meetings and presentations among NSRI Fellows and directors to share capabilities and insights and to develop research opportunities.
   • Serve as the primary “customer service agent” for the NSRI Fellows to ensure professional, timely and accurate responses.
   • Operate as the “researcher network expert” for the institute to rapidly identify capacities, facilities and technology for existing and potential projects.
   • Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with NSRI Fellows to build personal relationships that lead to action; build and maintain effective working relationships with NSRI staff to make connections among fellows.
   • Identify, communicate and track potential research funding opportunities for NSRI Fellows and staff.

1. Coordinate and produce content for NSRI's engagement activities with NU.
   • Coordinate content for events and meetings for the NSRI Fellows program; produce materials for program events and meetings; summarize and report on discussions and outcomes of events and meetings.
   • Develop and execute an editorial calendar for the NSRI Fellows program.
   • Produce frequent high-quality feature articles, videos, graphics, photostories, etc., to inform, educate and motivate the NSRI Fellows network; and highlight the NSRI Fellows externally to stakeholders.
   • Coordinate research priorities for the University of Nebraska Collaboration Initiative (NUCI) with NSRI leadership; produce dynamic content to demonstrate deliverables and capabilities resulting from investments.

1. Measure and report key performance indicators to help ensure program success.
   • Help develop, refine, track and maintain key performance indicators for NSRI's engagement programs.
   • Help design network surveys, analyze participation, monitor campaign goals and objectives, and assess the performance of tactics.
   • Regularly report actionable program insights to the SC&E Director.
   • Conduct regular reviews of Mission Connect, the NSRI Fellows' online dashboard, to incorporate enhancements.
   • Actively leverage Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to ensure key performance indicators of NSRI Fellows program are met, tracked and communicated to leadership.
     
2. Perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, creative writing, marketing, communications or related field of study
• Basic graphic design, videography and/or photography skills
• Two years' experience as a regular producer of content assets such as written articles, photostories, videos
• Demonstrated ability to write news and features articles in AP Style
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proficiency using web-based communication methods and tools such as FunctionPoint, MailChimp, Emma, SalesForce, HubSpot, Sitecore or similar platforms

Preferred Experience:

• Three years experience working in a higher education environment that includes responsibilities such as building faculty relationships, faculty programming, communications, business development.
• Master's degree in journalism, creative writing, marketing, communications or related field of study
• Understanding of federal, state and local laws and regulations and University of Nebraska policies pertaining to data rights and invention reporting requirements and understanding of faculty experience and research, publications processes.

Ideal candidates will exhibit the following attributes and personality traits:

• Self-motivated, self-starter with enthusiasm to bring forward new ideas and execute at a high level
• Excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills; written and verbal
• Extreme attention to detail
• Ability to produce insightful and valuable written and/or visual content assets
• Advanced organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple and complex tasks and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, with short deadlines and frequent interruptions
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential interactions
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary to independently recommend appropriate actions and solutions
• Willingness to travel as required to execute position responsibilities

How to Apply:
Application review begins October 15, 2024, and continues until the position is filled.
Applications are processed through the online job posting at nsri.nebraska.edu/careers. Follow instructions to complete the Applicant Profile and supplemental questions. Along with your application, attach a cover letter, resume and the names, relationship to you and contact information for at least three professional references. Direct questions about the position and online application process to: hr@nsri.nebraskaresearch.gov As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status and/or political affiliation.

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