This position provides the leadership, development, and management for the Minerals Research Laboratory (MRL) located within Industry Expansion Solutions, College of Engineering, NC State University. Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the engineering-based, solutions-driven, client-focused unit of NC State University. The MRL is located in Asheville, NC and the MRL Director maintains relationships with the North Carolina and United States mineral industry to define the needs of the industry and to initiate research projects. The work of the MRL, like the overall work of IES, is accomplished by developing and delivering superior professional education and technical assistance programs that meet the needs of engineers and technical professionals in the mining and minerals industry and by advocating the use of engineering science and technology and best practices to promote corporate growth and the production of quality products.Duties and ResponsibilitiesLeadership Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Minerals Research Laboratory (MRL) staff.Foster a service-oriented philosophy among staff, prioritizing client needs and economic benefits.Recruit, select, train, mentor, and evaluate staff.Develop annual work plans with measurable goals.Maintain awareness of minerals research and industry trends.Develop and manage organizational and program budgets.Operate an active advisory board comprising industry representatives.Contribute to the strategic planning and execution of growth strategies for the organization.Technical Service Provide hands-on technical assistance to clients based on experience.Offer short-duration (up to eight hours) assistance free of charge.Prepare contracts for services beyond eight hours, adhering to university guidelines.Promotion Promote IES services and support for industrial clients through presentations, marketing materials, and educational programs.Economic ImpactOversee an evaluation system measuring the economic impact of MRL programs.Produce annual reports of program impact for stakeholders.Educate legislators and stakeholders about MRL and IES program impacts.Relationships and Funding Establish effective relationships with government agencies, economic development organizations, and clients to secure funding and deliver services.Prepare funding proposals and oversee grant and contract deliverables.Participate in university relations efforts.Administration Administer MRL staff and IES operations.Supervise MRL Operations to support the university mission.Ensure staff compliance with university policies.Attend necessary meetings and travel as required by the IES Executive Director.