Req Id: 42548

Job Title: Strategic Programs Director

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Strategic Programs Director serves as the principal liaison between Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its network of 17 National Laboratories. This senior leadership role is responsible for cultivating, coordinating, and advancing the full spectrum of strategic partnerships between Purdue and the DOE National Lab system, spanning funded research collaborations, joint initiatives, workforce development efforts, and long-term institutional relationships.

Operating at the intersection of federal agency priorities and university research strategy, this position provides the connective tissue that enables Purdue to function as a coherent, high-impact partner in the national research enterprise. The Director leads coordination efforts across colleges, centers, and administrative units, ensuring that Purdue's engagement with the DOE ecosystem is strategic, well-managed, and mutually beneficial.

This role requires a leader who combines deep knowledge of federal research structures with strong relationship-building capabilities, institutional credibility, and the operational acumen to translate strategic priorities into coordinated action across a complex research university.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree
• Eight or more years of experienced leadership with a deep knowledge of federal research structures with strong relationship-building capabilities, institutional credibility, and operational acumen to translate strategic priorities into coordinated action
• Strategic Partnership Development Skills: Ability to identify, cultivate, and sustain high-value institutional relationships with federal agencies and research organizations
• Cross-Institutional Coordination: Skilled at aligning diverse internal stakeholders and facilitating collaboration across a complex university environment
• Federal Research Landscape Fluency: Deep understanding of DOE structure, National Laboratory missions, and the federal research funding ecosystem
• Leadership & Influence: Ability to engage with and influence executive leadership, faculty, and external partners without direct authority
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills capable of translating complex technical, policy, and strategic content for varied audiences
• Program Management: Ability to manage large, multi-stakeholder initiatives with attention to process, accountability, and outcomes

What We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Immediately

What You'll Get in Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University's expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.