Associate Director of Nuclear External Relations

NextGen MURR Reactor Facility

A life-saving operation in the middle of America serving the nation and the world, - the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) - needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production and the University of Missouri is pursuing a new state-of-the-art research reactor, NextGen MURR, to continue this life saving mission for generations to come.

MURR is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. MURR serves as the sole domestic supply for multiple isotopes used to treat cancer and enables research across many disciplines - from investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country. MURR also serves as a hub for workforce development and economic growth through collaboration with industry and government agencies.

Building upon nearly 60 years of excellence at MURR, the University of Missouri is pursuing a new, state-of-the-art, research reactor, NextGen MURR. NextGen MURR will serve as an asset of national strategic significance in both radioisotope supply and research excellence. NextGen MURR will secure the nations radioisotope supply, ensuring life-improving treatments are provided to U.S. patients, and will secure excellence within the nations research portfolio, leading the technological and medical advancements of the future.

Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives. Be a part of the MURR team and help make the vision of NextGen MURR a reality!

This position leads the external relations of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) and NextGen MURR initiative at the federal level, serving as the point of contact for internal and external constituents. This includes engagement with officials from the legislative branch, executive branch (including government organizations), and lobbyists. Develop strategic plans, technical solutions, and organize resources to meet constituent needs and secure funding and support for MURR / NextGen MURR initiatives. This role will interface primarily with the University of Missouri Government Relations, MURR, and NextGen MURR leadership to establish goals. Job location is flexible, but it is desired to have a dedicated presence in near proximity to Washington D.C. to facilitate real-time, efficient interactions with external stakeholders.

Specific Position Functions:

• Support development, updates, execution, and oversight of the federal funding and support strategies for MURR / NextGen MURR initiatives.
• Reviews and tracks proposed legislation and required governmental reports for potential impact on the university, with special focus on MURR / NextGen MURR initiatives.
• Facilitate legislative meetings, receptions, hearings, dinners, and other events related to MURR / NextGen MURR.
• Facilitate meetings, and other activities with government agencies related to MURR / NextGen MURR.
• Develop metrics and reporting templates to monitor and update University leadership on strategy execution effectiveness.
• Develop recovery plans for strategy areas that are off-track.
• Help build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders to garner support for MURR / NextGen MURR initiatives. This includes key stakeholders in the Washington D.C. and surrounding area that are critical to the success of MURR and the NextGen MURR initiative.
• Coordinate with MURR and NextGen MURR communications strategy leaders to ensure messaging with external stakeholders aligns with university expectations.
• Participate in key engagement events coordinated by the University of Missouri.
• Build relationships with influential University of Missouri Alumni and leverage relationships to achieve support for MURR / NextGen MURR initiatives.
• Due to the physical location of the position, and broad range of responsibilities and external engagements, this position should operate with a high level of autonomy and provide updates to university leadership on results and progress.

If requested by University leadership, this position may support other University of Missouri related activities at a federal engagement level.

Flexible - Will interface with University of Missouri Team who typically works Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm CST. Additional support outside of these time frames may be required for events, activities, meetings and other job-related functions.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

5+ years of experience in government relations, including interface with legislative, executive branch personnel.
Experience with interface with government agencies (Department of Energy, Department of Defense/War, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, etc.)
Experience working in the Washington D.C. area.

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $164,000.00 per year
Grade: GGS-013
University Title: Associate Director External Relations
Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.