Deputy Chief, R&D

Summary

Join AERDF, a national nonprofit, as their Deputy Chief, R&D, a pivotal leadership role architecting and managing cutting-edge research and development infrastructure. This leader will build systems and strategies for student success, working directly with program staff on large-scale, multi-year projects. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, bringing experience in R&D infrastructure development, advanced inclusive research methodologies, and exceptional relationship-building skills. The role involves leading a team, managing contracts, and collaborating with external partners. AERDF is a fully remote organization offering a competitive compensation package and benefits.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive experience managing complex, high-stakes R&D programs
• Strong operational skills, including handling contracts, optimizing processes, and executing efficiently
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking and thought partnership in research operations, focusing on improving processes rather than conducting research
• Expertise in advanced research methodologies and frameworks
• Demonstrated success in navigating ambiguity, driving innovation, and fostering relationships across complex teams
• Extensive experience managing large-scale technology procurement
• Proficiency in cloud computing, big data analytics, and data security best practices
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of AERDF’s advanced R&D capabilities and capacities
• Lead the improvement and execution of AERDF’s advanced R&D contracting and procurement processes from design through assessment
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies to enhance AERDF’s R&D capabilities, conducting thorough due diligence and impact assessments
• Develop strategic processes to accelerate the R&D processes, building a hub and spoke model and infrastructure
• Automate repetitive tasks, eliminate bottlenecks, and uphold rigorous ethics and privacy standards to drive innovation and efficiency
• Implement a robust strategic design framework for high-stakes R&D projects, proactively addressing challenges and de-risking high risk, high reward innovation
• Monitor progress against KPIs using advanced analytics and provide actionable insights through custom dashboards and regular reporting to senior leadership
• Establish and optimize department workflows that align with strategic goals while maximizing organizational impact and efficiency
• Develop and lead sophisticated contract management processes with external vendors, research institutions, and technology providers
• Support program leaders in crafting RFPs, negotiating terms, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering an innovative and growth-oriented culture where everyone has a sense of belonging
• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with program team members to align R&D design, infrastructure and workflows with program objectives
• Work with program team members to encourage and enable high risk, high reward opportunities for innovation
• Identify talent needs and plan for future hires, including a Director of R&D Infrastructure and two additional roles focused on contract management, to enhance team capacity and drive strategic initiatives
• Cultivate strong partnerships with stakeholders, vendors, and external organizations to ensure alignment and shared accountability
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and program managers, providing guidance, facilitating open communication, and supporting informed decision-making

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with government agencies (e.g., DARPA, IARPA, NSF, NIH) and large multi-stakeholder projects or organizations
• Expertise in product development and data visualization
• Familiarity with data security best practices for high-risk research

Benefits

• Fully remote organization, offering employees the flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States
• Competitive compensation package, including a base salary and comprehensive benefits
• Base national salary range for this role is $139,740 to $231,679, contingent on location and experience
• For the states of California and New York, the base salary range is $176,800 to $293,111
• For the state of Washington, the base salary range is $156,400 to $259,291
• For the states of Colorado and Hawaii, the base salary range is $149,600 to $248,017