Executive Director, Princeton Quantum Initiative - Princeton University

The Princeton Quantum Initiative (PQI), a newly established administrative support structure, seeks an Executive Director (ED) to advance its mission of facilitating quantum research initiatives at Princeton. PQI's mission is to bring together the vibrant community of faculty and students across engineering and the natural sciences who work on a wide range of topics in quantum information science. Future quantum technology requires physicists, chemists, engineers and computer scientists, working in systems from atoms to superconductors. PQI’s aim is to foster variety of collaboration across different departments as well as provide support through different programs to make such collaborations successful. More information about the initiative and the faculty involved can be found at https://quantum.princeton.edu.

The Executive Director (ED) will work with two co-Directors in devising and executing the strategic direction of the initiative. The ED will act as a creative problem solver, will help to envision and develop new programming, coordinate new interdisciplinary initiatives, and establish and manage marketing and branding strategies. The ED will develop and manage the initiative's budget in coordination with the Directors, oversee grant proposal production, and handle day-to-day operations. Responsibilities also include cultivating research collaborations, managing communications, representing the Directors at meetings and public events, and overseeing reporting for both University and external stakeholders.

Leading the administrative as well as the operational aspects of the initiative, the Executive Director creates and owns processes to drive greater coordination, interactions, and communication. The Executive Director will develop and manage PQI's budget; supervise the administration of research activities, academic program activities, and core facilities; and they will steer the PQI narrative, overseeing content development for internal and external stakeholders. The Executive Director defines and measures success through metrics tracking and reporting.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Quantum Initiative Co-Directors, with a secondary reporting relationship to the Director of Academic Administration.

Strategic Leadership: The Executive Director supports the Directors to advance the initiative's mission by planning, developing, implementing strategic efforts. Central to these efforts is the fostering of interactions and cultivation of relationships among stakeholders in academia and industry. The ED will ensure alignment with institutional goals and champion initiatives that enhance the initiative's impact and visibility.

Staff supervision: The Executive Director oversees the recruitment, performance evaluations, merit increase processes, and terminations of staff, including PQI personnel, short-term professionals, casual hourly employees, and student workers. The ED must be well-versed in University policies and knowledgeable about visa regulations, federal work-study requirements, tax laws, and fair labor standards to ensure compliance and effective management. 

Research, Events, Industry Engagement: The Executive Director develops avenues and opportunities to engage faculty, and their students, with the purpose of cultivating a strong sense of community and fostering research synergies. The Executive Director helps coordinate recruitment and appointment of researchers and visiting collaborators, and assists with the coordination of proposal writing for faculty research. The Executive Director oversees the planning, coordination, organization, and execution of high-profile events, including lecture series, symposia, seminars, and colloquia.

Budget and financial management: The Executive Director will develop the administrative budget for the Princeton Quantum Initiative in collaboration with the Co-Directors. The ED is responsible for the careful and appropriate allocation of operational funds, endowed or restricted funds, and grants or sponsored research.

Communications: The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the communication efforts of PQI. This includes ensuring the execution of comprehensive communication strategies to effectively promote the initiative's mission, research, and events to both internal and external audiences. The ED will oversee the creation and dissemination of various communication materials, such as newsletters, press releases, and reports.

Facilities: The Executive Director manages office moves, renovations, and repairs, ensuring efficient use of space and resources. This includes overseeing new space design and planing, space assignments and coordinating the purchase of department furniture and equipment.

Essential Qualifications

- Master's or professional degree, plus 7 years of relevant work experience.

- Demonstrated ability to provide vision, strategic leadership and implementation for organization building.
- Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and communications skills.
- Ability to effectively manage the resources of the department: experience in budget management, oversight of financial operations.
- Supervisory experience and ability to coach and mentor staff; values importance of diversity and inclusion.
- Strong organizational and management skills; demonstrated project planning skills; ability to handle multiple tasks in a timely manner.
- Discretion and good judgment; must handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. 

Preferred Qualifications

- PhD preferred in related field
- Academic program creation background
- Experience initiating and cultivating relationships with all levels of administrators, researchers and industry professionals.

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