NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Application

What You'll Be Doing:

• Providing operational oversight of Institute teams to ensure high performance, alignment, and delivery of priorities. 
• Partnering with faculty leadership to define and implement research strategy, priority initiatives, and growth opportunities
• Leading internal planning, resource allocation, and capability development to strengthen research performance and team effectiveness
• Driving identification and pursuit of funding opportunities, overseeing the development of high-quality, competitive proposals
• Building strong internal relationships across the University to enable collaboration, integration, and effective delivery
• Leading strategic engagement with industry, government, funding bodies, and research partners to advance Institute priorities  
• Developing and sustaining high-value partnerships that generate funding, collaboration, and long-term growth opportunities
• Representing the Institute externally to enhance reputation, visibility, and influence
• Identifying who the various PIs are partnering with, track those partnerships for their future application 
• Identifying and progressing new opportunities, including major collaborations and partnership-based initiatives
• Overseeing the effective establishment and delivery of funded projects, ensuring compliance with institutional and funder requirements 
• Providing strategic oversight of project performance, including timelines, budgets, risks, and reporting obligations
• Ensuring robust governance, financial management, and operational coordination across the project lifecycle
• Proactively managing risks and resolving issues to ensure successful delivery of outcomes

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6 years of related experience
• Leadership experience in a research, higher education, or complex organizational environment
• Effective partnership with faculty leaders in delivering strategic and financial priorities  
• Demonstrated success in strategic and operational management, including planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, trust, and accountability
• Strong track record in building productive relationships and influencing stakeholders across all organizational levels 
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and leading or enabling the development of competitive research proposals
• Sound knowledge of post-award research administration, including project establishment, governance, and delivery oversight.  
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage, align, and motivate diverse stakeholders.  
• Highly developed organizational and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.  
• Strategic leadership and execution  
• Financial management and resource planning  
• Team leadership, coaching, and capability development  
• Research development and funding strategy  
• Post-award management and project governance  
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership building  
• Operational leadership and organizational effectiveness  
• Advanced communication, negotiation, and influencing skills  
• Problem-solving, adaptability, and continuous improvement

Nice to Have:

• Postgraduate degree
• Experience within a university institute, research center, or similarly complex environment
• Understanding of research funding landscapes, industry engagement, and partnership development
• Experience collaborating with external stakeholders, including industry, government, and funding agencies

What We'd Like You to Know:

• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary 
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  
• Purdue University is an EO employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply