Director of Education ProgramsJob Title: Director of Education Programs
Salary Range: Starting at $165,000 per year, commensurate with credentials and experience
Schedule: Full-time
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Supervisor: Chief of Staff
Position SummaryThe National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska is seeking applications for a Director of Education Programs to oversee NSRI's education function and student talent-development initiatives.
The Director sets the direction, priorities, and long-term approach for education programs that connect K-12 and university students with national security research, learning, and career opportunities. This position will build a sustainable education portfolio aligned with NSRI's mission while expanding opportunities for students to enter national security-related academic and professional pathways.
As the senior leader for the education function, the Director has overall accountability for program design and delivery, staff and resources, external partnerships, funding, performance, and growth. The position will guide assigned education staff and bring together NSRI researchers, educational institutions, government organizations, industry, and other partners to advance education initiatives.
A key responsibility is establishing a scalable student talent pipeline that begins with early engagement and progresses through learning, mentorship, academic opportunities, and pathways into national security careers.
The Director will also serve as NSRI's principal education representative, cultivating relationships with school systems, higher-education institutions, government organizations, industry, community organizations, funding partners, and other stakeholders whose participation is important to the success and expansion of the education mission.
Position FundingThis position supports a new NSRI education initiative currently in development. Recruitment may proceed while we finalize program funding and implementation plans. Any employment offer will be contingent on confirmation of sufficient funding and final authorization to proceed with the program.
Priority ConsiderationIn alignment with our commitment to staff development and internal mobility, current NSRI employees will be given priority consideration for this vacancy, provided they meet the minimum qualifications. Internal candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Duties and Responsibilities- Set the vision, priorities, and multi-year direction for NSRI's education function in alignment with organizational priorities and national security talent needs.
- Maintain overall accountability for the education portfolio, including quality, execution, staffing and resource needs, financial sustainability, and results.
- Build and scale education initiatives that expand student access to national security research, technology, learning, and career opportunities.
- Supervise assigned education staff, establish performance expectations, and determine future staffing and capability needs as the function evolves.
- Guide the creation of educational content and learning experiences that translate complex national security subjects into age- and audience-appropriate programming.
- Establish and oversee a "Recruit, Train, Retain" student pathway connecting early engagement with continued academic and career-development opportunities.
- Cultivate partnerships with K-12 systems, colleges and universities, government organizations, industry, community groups, and other institutions that can extend the reach and effectiveness of NSRI's education efforts.
- Serve as NSRI's senior representative for education-related outreach and partnerships, engaging with senior leaders across education, government, academia, industry, and the community.
- Establish a sustainable funding approach for the education portfolio and pursue appropriate federal, state, philanthropic, institutional, and other external resources.
- Define meaningful measures of success and assess program reach, effectiveness, student outcomes, partnership value, and progress toward organizational objectives.
- Evaluate opportunities for additional programs, partnerships, audiences, and delivery models and recommend investments based on mission alignment, impact, and available resources.
- Connect NSRI researchers and technical experts with education initiatives so students gain meaningful exposure to national security research, technologies, and mission areas.
- Coordinate across NSRI functions to ensure education efforts are appropriately planned, supported, communicated, and executed.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Master's degree in education or a related field.
- 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in education, educational administration, academic programming, or a related field, including at least 7 years in significant program, administrative, or organizational leadership roles.
- Record of successfully creating, managing, or expanding complex education initiatives involving multiple stakeholders or institutions.
- Experience setting organizational or program direction and converting broad objectives into effective initiatives and measurable results.
- Strong capability in building productive relationships with senior leaders, external organizations, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience obtaining, managing, or helping secure grants, partnerships, philanthropic support, or other external resources.
- Success directing staff, teams, partners, or cross-functional contributors toward shared objectives.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Desired Qualifications- Doctoral degree in Education or a related field.
- Senior administrative or organizational leadership experience within K-12 education, higher education, or a comparable educational environment.
- Background creating or expanding STEM, career-connected learning, student-development, or similar education initiatives.
- Knowledge of approaches that connect students with academic, experiential, and professional pathways.
- Experience working across institutional or organizational boundaries to accomplish shared objectives.
- Familiarity with the Department of Defense, national security sector, federal agencies, or government-sponsored programs.
- Broad knowledge of education systems and the ability to establish effective relationships across schools, higher education, government, industry, and community organizations.
- Familiarity with federal, state, philanthropic, and private grant development and management.
Benefits- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Employer-paid Life Insurance
- Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Child(ren)
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Long-Term Disability (LTD)
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Matching
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Professional Development and Training Opportunities
This position represents an opportunity to shape education initiatives that connect students and educational institutions with national security research, learning, and career pathways while contributing to the nation's long-term talent needs.
