Job Abstract

The Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) at the University of Oklahoma is seeking a proficient Senior Program Administrator with a specialization in national defense and security. This pivotal role requires adept program/project management skills to drive forward OU's commitment to groundbreaking research aimed at strengthening national defense and security capabilities. The incumbent will collaborate closely with OADII leadership, associate directors, and OU faculty researchers, focusing on advancing key initiatives in spectrum warfare, modernization and sustainment resilience, cyberspace, information dominance, and national defense policy. This position plays a critical role in overseeing large-scale, complex projects and effectively communicating progress to senior OU leadership and funding agencies. The Senior Program Administrator for OADII will be responsible for ensuring all day-to-day, short, and long-term projects are handled on time and to specification. The incumbent in this position should possess a secret security clearance for the U.S. Department of Defense (or equivalent) and/or be capable of obtaining a security clearance as needed.

Required Functions May Include:

• Project Management: Lead and manage large, complex projects within the national defense and security domain, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for defense-related research projects, aligning with OADII's focus areas and overarching objectives.
• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate project progress, challenges, and outcomes to senior OU leadership and funding agencies, maintaining transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative Engagement: Foster collaboration among OADII leadership, associate directors, and OU faculty researchers to drive innovation and achieve project goals.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate project risks, proactively addressing issues to ensure successful project delivery.
• Resource Allocation: Manage project resources, including personnel, funding, and equipment, to optimize project outcomes and deliverables.
• Proposal Preparation: Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality proposals for defense-related research projects and grants.
• Collaborative Engagement: Foster collaboration among OADII leadership, associate directors, and OU faculty researchers to align research efforts with defense priorities.
• Identify opportunities for growth and innovation and establish and nurture partnerships with federal agencies and industry partners to enhance collaboration and research initiatives.
• Directs program administration, implementation, tracking and budget development.
• Develops, implements, and interprets policies and practices of the program.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes key high-priority projects.
• Monitors and maintains key systems.
• Performs related duties as assigned to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Master's degree, AND

• 36 months related experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 72 months experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 108 months related experience.

Skills:

• Advanced program/project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Technical proficiency in defense-related research domains.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency is Microsoft Office suite and CRM software.
• Ability to read and understand complex written materials such as blueprints, metrics or technical manuals

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Physical: Communicate effectively. Engage in repetitive motion. Environmental: Standard office environment.

Departmental Preferences:

• Proven experience in program/project management within the national defense and security sector.
• Technical proficiency to understand and manage complex defense-related research projects.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey project progress and outcomes to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with a track record of successfully leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working with senior leadership and funding agencies in the defense sector.
• PMP or similar project management certification is desirable
• Experience working within an academic environment.
• Experience working with DoD or other federal agencies.

Supervision: None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.