Research Development Professional (Multiple Positions) (On-Call)

National Security Programs at the University of Arizona is in search of several Research Development Professionals (on-call). The Research Development Professionals will focus in the disciplines of Scenario Design, Gaming, and Simulations supporting National Security. The position plays a crucial role in supporting the initiatives of the National Security Initiatives team, which are focused on partnerships with defense, intelligence, and industry to advance research and develop the workforce of tomorrow in the field of national security. Through collaborative research and technology transfer, we are improving the agility and resiliency of U.S. national security. The position provides comprehensive scenario design and development, gaming design/facilitation, and technical expertise for simulation development support for both the University of Arizona and external agencies. This support includes strategic, operational, tactical, and educational design, development, delivery, and implementation of scenarios, exercises, games, and simulations with particular focus on National Security-related topics.

National Security Initiatives at the U of A focus on partnerships with defense, intelligence and industry to advance research and develop the workforce of tomorrow. Through collaborative research and tech transfer, we are improving the agility and resiliency of U.S. national security.

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• Provide senior-level expertise supporting scenario and exercise design (development, application, and maintenance) as a member of the Scenario Design, Gaming, and Simulations team to develop complex strategic, operational, and tactical scenarios for planning and decision-making that reflect interoperability across all domains and dimensions of the Inner Solar System Operational Environment. These scenarios encapsulate the Global Operational Environment in the broader context of growing reliance on space-based systems and increased competition in the Space Domain. Lead the development of National Security-focused scenario design, wargaming, and simulation efforts. Create core team requirements, recruit University of Arizona research and faculty, and lead collaboration/outreach efforts to external entities.
• Partner and collaborate with the Research Development Services and National Security Initiatives leadership in developing and synthesizing strategic goals for advancing National Security efforts within the University of Arizona. This will include but is not limited to, identifying areas of existing and emerging strengths in the designated portfolio at U of A while identifying National Security priorities and trends. This will require expertise in the global security space relevant to the United States, allied, and partners' national security.
• Develop tools, templates, webinars, and other training material for campus in support of National Security Initiatives. This includes assisting with maintaining the National Security Initiatives' website (with support from the Content Developer) and core communications to advance the National Security Initiatives' external engagement. Agility is required for this task as each external engagement requires customization and is frequently unprecedented. Support the team with Knowledge Management and Capture Management.
• Develop, implement, and support the program's external relations, including, when necessary, travel on behalf of the institution. External engagement includes members of other academic institutions (including at the leadership level), national security professionals at federal agencies (including at the leadership level), and often, industry colleagues.
  Interact with the University of Arizona Facility Security Officers, the Kyl Institute for National Security, and various government entities in classified spaces, specifically supporting U of A research at TRL 6 and above. Demonstrate and provide expertise on National Security issues and the near- mid- and far-term challenges that National Security Research must address. Create and deliver global Operational Environment briefs; Curate and disseminate national security issues/topics/news for National Security Initiatives media push. With the National Security team, co-deliver recurring briefs and sensitize research faculty on National Security challenges, pacing/disruptive technologies, and needs for future development. Maintain relevant knowledge of the global operational environment and U.S. government rapid fielding programs for academic research institutions.
• Develop tools and guidance to facilitate proposal development and conduct workshops and training to assist UA faculty in interpreting funding agency and institutional requirements and crafting competitive proposals.
• Coordinate with appropriate central and college-level units across campus in the preparation and submission of proposals to funding solicitations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of research practices; preference for demonstrated knowledge of funding
• Knowledge of Joint/Combined forces at tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups/individuals
• Ability to handle business confidential and government-sensitive information
• Skill in managing teams
• Skill in public speaking and presenting information
• Skill in preparing research documents and proposals
• Skill in collaborating with multiple experts and creating consensus supporting customer requirements.
• Thorough understanding of the future of National Security challenges through 2040

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Experience in evaluating National Security, Tactics, and organizational re-alignments.
• Experience in creating scenarios, games, or simulations from cooperation to conflict.
• Experience in leading scenario design, gaming, and simulation development.
• Experience with the U.S. Defense Contract Industry.
• Active U.S. Government Secret or higher security clearance/Current Top-Secret clearance.
• Experience working with sponsors aligned with National Security.
• Experience within the U.S. Defense Industry.
• 5 years of Project Planning and Management experience with government oversight.
• Work experience includes various duties/roles within military organizations.
• Experience working with or serving in allied military forces.