Description
Midwest Research Institute (MRI), established in 1944, is an internationally acclaimed center for basic and applied research as well as technology development. The work of our dedicated staff of scientists, engineers, and analysts transforms scientific and technological advances into solutions that benefit government and industry. We partner with clients to provide scientific and technical resources to solve complex problems related to national security and defense, health sciences (including health assessment, pharmaceutical product development, nutraceutical and natural product research, and proteomics), engineering, systems integration, technology development, agriculture and food safety, and energy. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, MRI has more than 1,800 employees. The headquarters comprises 260,000 square feet of corporate, administrative, and research facilities. More than 100 laboratories are equipped with scientific equipment and instrumentation worth $30 Million. Besides the main laboratories and corporate headquarters in Kansas City, MRI has two rural field stations for conducting agricultural research and projects involving hazardous operations. MRI also has offices and laboratories in Palm Bay, Florida; Falls Church, Virginia; and Rockville and Frederick, Maryland. In addition, MRI operates and manages the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Midwest Research Institute’s National Security and Systems Integration Division currently has an opening for a Senior Program Manager who is interested in the variety and challenge of classified contract research work for the US Government. The selected candidate will develop and manage programs that may involve a range of engineering and scientific disciplines, multiple business units, and could include management of consultants and subcontractors. Recent experience and contacts in the intelligence community, an active security clearance, and background in the standup and operation of chemical-surety laboratories are particularly advantageous. The position is based at MRI’s headquarters in Kansas City, MO.
The successful candidate can expect to manage mid-to large size programs ($1M to $10M per year), as well as grow and/or develop related new business for MRI. Specific requirements of the position are as follows:
- Initially explore new business opportunities that leverage the successful applicant’s network of contacts in combination with the technical capabilities of NSSI Division personnel. This can include both existing clients and new clients with an interest in MRI support.
- For assigned projects (new or existing), organize and plan execution strategies, prepare budgets by WBS element, staff tasks, define and manage risks, and track progress, in coordination with project staff (task leads, financial coordinators, separate contracts group, etc.)
- Interface with project clients in defining work scope, resolving emerging technical or programmatic issues, addressing urgent requests for information, reporting progress, and negotiating the technical portion of contract modifications.
- Provide day-to-day technical direction to chemists, biologists, IT staff, and administrative staff to ensure on-schedule and on-budget program execution.
- Identify new areas of potential MRI support to the existing project clients, facilitate development by MRI technical staff of white papers or proposals that define in detail MRI’s proposed solution to a client need, and work with incumbent Program Directions/Managers to present these ideas to the client.
- Mentor task leads, project managers, and project staff with program-management career objectives
- Work with existing chemical-surety staff to identify and implement process improvements and to instill a project-focused priority in day-to-day work plans
- Support NSSI’s Program Management Office (PMO) in developing implementing program-management processes and tools, and support associated training initiatives.
- As required by NSSI management, lead, or support proposal-preparation efforts.
- Demonstrate and maintain the highest standards of ethical business and personal conduct through daily actions and personal actions.
Qualifications: The selected individual will keep abreast of current technological developments in own area(s) of specialization, as well as related fields. He/she must also have:
- Ph.D., MBA, M.S./M.A. in Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or other related field and a minimum 12 years of related experience; B.S./B.A. in Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, or other related field and minimum 20 years of related experience; or appropriate combination of education and experience.
- MBA or equivalent management related master’s degree, PMI Program Management Professional certification, or equivalent project-management experience.
- Direct experience working with US Government personnel and a proven record of successfully leading and executing contract work for them.
- Good inter-personal and communication skills (written and oral), and willingness to work cooperatively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience working under a recognized quality system (i.e. ISO, 6-Sigma).
- Computer literate and demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Project or related project-management software.
- Security clearance, or the ability to obtain one. An active TS Security Clearance is a plus.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% a year, with greater amounts of travel in selected months.
Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Consequently, U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
Personal Attributes: Candidate must possess excellent leadership skills, proficient interpersonal and strong negotiation skills, a proven understanding of organizational roles, relationships, marketplace dynamics, key business drivers, and financial indicators. The successful candidate must understand how to measure value to customers within the contract-research community (financial and technical) and inspire creativity within our technical staff through innovation, operational skills, and strategic thinking.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing and background investigations.
