Director of Research Community Initiatives

The Computing Research Association (CRA), founded in 1972, is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to catalyze computing research by engaging industry, government, and academia. CRA executes this mission by leading the computing research community, informing policymakers and the public, and promoting the development of an innovative and responsible computing research workforce.

The Computing Research Association (CRA) is seeking a full-time Director of Research Community Initiatives to both lead the Computing Community Consortium (CCC), ensuring CCC succeeds in its mission to enable the pursuit of innovative, high-impact computing research that aligns with pressing national and global challenges, and support CRA’s research community efforts to develop and implement innovative and high impact initiatives. 

This position will report to CRA’s Executive Director and CEO. The ideal candidate has experience leading multi-stakeholder programs and interacting with representatives from various branches of the Federal Government, understands the computing research ecosystem and has had success in raising funds, is comfortable working with academic and industrial researchers, and has an interest in policy. This role is ideal for a highly motivated and innovative individual who thrives in collaborative environments that emphasize teamwork. The successful candidate will work closely with staff and community members to coordinate and advance multiple projects simultaneously. They will demonstrate initiative and autonomy while fostering strong partnerships, ensuring that all activities move forward smoothly with broad engagement where all stakeholders feel valued. As director, the candidate must actively engage and inspire members across all levels of the research ecosystem, fostering collaboration and momentum. A key responsibility will be to amplify and elevate the needs and vision of the computing research community, ensuring its priorities are clearly communicated and championed.

The Director of Research Community Initiatives will envision and contribute to the execution of activities and coordinate all aspects, ensuring that operations proceed smoothly and effectively, and that programs meet all project requirements in a timely and high-quality fashion.

Responsibilities (not exhaustive):

• Strategic Leadership and Guidance: Work with CRA and CCC leadership to guide, plan, and execute new and existing activities and strategic programs for the community, including presenting products to the community and stakeholders. Facilitate and support the engagement of all volunteers throughout the different activities.
• Program Management: Oversee all aspects of programs, including tracking and providing updates to stakeholders of all related activities, coordinating with the evaluation team, and leading external report creation. Plan and coordinate all aspects of professional meetings, workshops, and special events. Lead proposal and report writing, including development and management of budgets.
• Cultivate and Maintain Partnerships: Facilitate communication with and among external and internal constituencies, including federal agencies, academic partners, and external partner organizations engaged in synergistic activities to build further awareness for CCC and CRA activities. Identify and cultivate new partnerships.
• Organizational Leadership: Hire, manage, and evaluate staff, some dedicated to research initiatives and some working across CRA. Be an active member of the CRA Leadership Team, guiding principles for the entire organization.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a computing-related field;
• Research experience (post PhD) in a technical discipline;
• Proven track record of obtaining grants through proposals; 
• Experience working with the computing research community;
• Evidence of leadership experience and problem-solving capabilities;
• Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Experience in supporting/leading heterogeneous teams; 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, volunteer community members, and other stakeholders;
• Comfortable serving in an advocacy role;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Eligible to work in the United States;
• Willingness to travel;
• Financial management and accounting experience (particularly with grant processes and procedures);
• Ability to be at CRA HQ in D.C. at least three days/month.

CRA offers an excellent benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume at this link and complete all fields: https://cra.org/director-of-research-community-initiatives/

Questions on the position can be emailed to: employment@cra.org