The Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for managing and driving specific strategic initiatives or projects within an organization. They work closely with the Executive Director to identify and prioritize strategic research objectives, develop plans, and execute initiatives that align with the HPNRI's long-term vision. This role requires a strong understanding of the research, industry trends, and the ability to navigate complex projects.

The Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives will increase the HPNRI’s research portfolio by facilitating the development of inter-disciplinary research, scholarship, and communication of opportunities, initiatives, and outcomes. Engage in research compliance or protocol review with input on research method and practices by identifying, expanding, and supporting new research initiatives involving institute investigators, campus faculty and external stakeholders; coordinate new, multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator proposals; and work to build the research capacity and funding of the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute. Provide research knowledge and support to programs, systems, and processes supporting research development at the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

The position is structured as a developmental role for an individual willing to be on-point for achieving project deliverables with performance related experience, critical thinking, conceptual and writing skills, who wants to gain an understanding of and competency in solving large and complex strategic and operational challenges with an opportunity to take on a broader leadership position in a 3–4-year timeframe.

The Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives will work in an office environment within the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute. They may also be required to travel to attend conferences and other events outside of regular business hours. The position may involve some physical activity.
The Associate Director of Strategic Research Initiatives will report to the Executive Director of the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach a resume.

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and five years of experience in research development, grant writing/editing, federal grant proposals in an academic environment, and program development.
Expertise in team science, team building, and collaboration.
Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, excellent writing ability, complete attention to detail, ability to work both independently and as a part of a collaborative team.
Ability to meet internal and external deadlines.
Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours when required.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, Teams, Adobe Acrobat Pro and Google word-processing and spreadsheet functions.

Preferred Qualifications:

Post-baccalaureate degree or equivalent experience in a sport performance or institute environment, STEM and/or biomedical fields.
Experience developing short and long-term strategic plans.
Experience with grant writing and management.
A proven track record in strategic program development and evaluation.
Demonstrated aptitude for understanding complex issues and the ability to translate and simplify them for diverse audiences.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Google word-processing and spreadsheet functions data visualization tools, and higher-level proficiency in Excel, including pivot tables, data analysis, and graphing.
Experience working in academic administration.

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.