202100018ES

Project Director, Senior – Executive Director of the Homeland Security Institute (Temporary)

Exempt

Commensurate with education and experience.

This is a temporary position expected to end on or before 8/31/2023. Continuation of the position is contingent upon continued funding.

Homeland Security Institute

07/09/2021

Yes

Master’s degree in project or grant related to Homeland Security Studies, including Security Studies, Public Policy, or Political Science. Substantial and proven executive experience in the project area. Doctorate desirable. A minimum ten years experience in senior positions in government or the private-sector relating to at least one of the below mentioned critical infrastructure sectors (candidates with both government and industry experience are preferred). Significant experience in fundraising and/or obtaining grant funding. Extensive knowledge and skill in applying principles and practices of management, in applying principles and practices in basic and applied research, and in related field of operations. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Plans, administers, manages, or directs all activities of a major grant, project, or program committed to a particular mission with more than one phase, project, or program.

Responsible for direct supervision and management of total project or projects. Supervision is required of other managers, professionals, researchers, Doctoral Fellows, clerical staff, and part time student employees. Position requires ability to maintain liaison work with agencies and governments related to each project as well as establishing a working relationship for enhancing data exchange. Duties will also include management of grant funds, establishing an accounting system compatible with Federal regulations, and management of all grant resources. Responsible for the development, evaluation, and effectiveness of the project(s). Responsible for identifying additional sources of funding and future direction of the SHSU Homeland Security Institute (SHSU-HSI). Works closely with the Chair of the Department of Security Studies in reviewing and assessing the outputs of the Institute, determining strategic direction, and determining the appropriate educational, informational, and research products to be produced by the Institute. Develops relationships with industry and government partners and helps identify educational and research products that will be of greatest practical use in strategy-formulation and policymaking in these companies and agencies. Recruits an advisory board for the Institute, which will consist of senior leaders in the relevant industries as well as senior leaders in federal, state, and local agencies that work with these critical infrastructure sectors. Other specific duties would relate directly to the purpose of each project. Performs other related duties as assigned.

A proven ability to develop relationships and liaise with companies and government agencies. Proven ability to be self-directed and entrepreneurial. Plays a major role in molding the structure and focus of the Institute. Proven ability to manage budgets and personnel and oversee the effective running of an organization. Proven ability to develop, sustain, and evolve a full and part-time managerial and/or research staff. Proven ability to foster an environment of achievement and entrepreneurship in helping to meet the needs of industry and government in these areas. Ability to create and maintain a creative and entrepreneurial work environment that sustains individual researchers, supports innovators, and encourages productive collaboration and strategically-driven research impact. An insider understanding of at least one of the relevant infrastructure sectors. A high degree of collegiality working with university, government, and industry stakeholders, and other University departments, State and Federal agencies and outside vendors. Strong oral and written communication skills.

Sam Houston State University has received funding to establish a Homeland Security Institute (SHSU-HSI), which will be housed in the Criminal Justice Center and closely affiliated with the Department of Security Studies. The SHSU-HSI will focus, at the outset, on two primary types of activities: education and applied research in the context of four critical infrastructure sectors that are heavily represented in the greater Houston area and play a role nationally: the Energy sector, the Chemical sector, the Healthcare sector, and the Transportation sector. As part of its educational mission, the SHSU-HSI will support these sectors through providing relevant and actionable online coursework and other online resources, executive seminars for senior leaders, and other educational activities designed to inform those responsible for security, resilience, and business continuity working in these sectors, as well as their respective government partners.
The SHSU-HSI research mission will focus on providing relevant and useful research products for private-sector and government entities in these four aforementioned sectors so that decisionmakers in these companies and government agencies can make more informed decisions. Such products will include reports, studies, and policy recommendations. The objective of both educational and research efforts will be on enhancing the ability of critical infrastructure operators and their government partners in these sectors to identify threats and vulnerabilities, develop strategies, and craft policy to enhance the ability of their companies or agencies to prevent, prepare, respond, and recover from threats relating to terrorism, espionage, and natural disasters, as well as threats to cybersecurity.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

This is a temporary position expected to end on or before 8/31/2023. Continuation of the position is contingent upon continued funding.

Full Time Temporary

https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/27883

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an “at will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.