Assistant Director, Robotics - Princeton University

Princeton University's School of Engineering and Applied Science is launching Princeton Robotics focused on research and education in a wide variety of areas in robotics. Princeton Robotics is seeking an Assistant Director to work closely with the faculty Director to establish and oversee robotics programs and to shepherd the academic curriculum, management of the day-to-day operations of a 10,000 square foot Robotics Laboratory, and fostering of the Princeton Robotics community.

The candidate must have the capacity to help envision and develop new programming, coordinate new interdisciplinary research initiatives, and establish and foster marketing and branding strategies. They will develop the center's budget in collaboration with the Director and be responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and resources. The Assistant Director will perform and oversee day-to-day operations; supervise staff; cultivate high-profile research collaborations and public events, often with other Princeton departments and centers as well as external institutions; and manage public communications, website and print materials. The Assistant Director will be able to represent the Director at meetings, present at programs, and exchange information with University representatives and the broader robotics research community.

Management and Administration:
- Oversee and coordinate the robotics program holistically.
- Partner with the Director to assist with relationship cultivation and management both internally at Princeton and externally with industry representatives.
- Coordinate visits involving sponsors, high-ranking university representatives, visiting scholars, government and industry personnel, student collaborators, alumni, and others.
- Participate in the development and enhancement of standard operating procedures and guidelines for all matters related to robotics.
- Assist program faculty in formulating and periodically updating a strategic plan for growth of the Center.
- Assist with future growth of robotics faculty, administrative and technical staff appointments.
- Oversee existing Robotics Laboratory Manager staff position and future staff additions.

Research and Events:
- Oversee the planning, coordination, organization, and execution of high-profile events and activities, including lecture series, symposia, seminars, and colloquia.
- Cultivate research collaborations and joint events with other institutions and industry partners.
- Provide programmatic support to the Director and coordinate the initiative's research efforts and activities to establish and achieve common goals and milestones.
- Assist with outreach activities both on campus and in the local community.
- Facilitate online/virtual events.
- Staff in-person events and provide on-site management and logistics support.

Academic Curriculum and Educational Programs:
- Work collaboratively with Director to administer and help with new developments in the academic curriculum and other educational programming for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Create and administer undergraduate research programs and projects.
- Oversee curriculum requirements, tracking, reporting, and metrics.

Communications:
- Direct the preparation and distribution of marketing, communications and promotional materials to constituents in support of robotics activities, via website, printed materials, written correspondence, digital communications platforms, and social media.
- Provide editorial oversight for all communications related to robotics.
- Work collaboratively with the SEAS Communications team to broaden the reach of robotics communications and enhance robotics stories in SEAS-wide communications.

Budget and Financial Management:
- Develop and oversee the initiative's budget in collaboration with the Director and be responsible for the careful and appropriate management of funds and resources.
- Direct the day-to-day operations, with responsibility for administrative support functions and details of project management including project financial status and purchasing decisions.
- Oversee collaborative research funds proposal process and funding.
- Prepare and draft correspondence and written reports (annual report, stewardship reports, etc.), and analyses of the effectiveness of various funding programs.

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of work experience

- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills along with a high degree of professionalism and initiative

- Ability to think creatively, work independently, and interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff

- Excellent written and oral communication skills

- Ability to handle multiple varied and competing priorities and tasks

- Willingness to work flexible hours under rare circumstances such as before significant deadlines or during events

Preferred Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree or higher in an area of engineering, science, or technology related to Robotics

- Previous managerial experience, ideally in an academic setting

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS