We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Program Director, AFRL Regional Network Mid-Atlantic

Cornell University
100,899.00 - $123,321.00
tuition assistance
United States, New York, Ithaca
Nov 11, 2025

Overview

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Regional Network - Mid-Atlantic (RNMA) at Cornell University has an immediate opening for a Program Director. The RNMA is leading innovators within its regional ecosystem of colleges and universities, industry, startups, and venture investors to identify, prototype, and develop dual-use technology - both commercial and military - while providing experiences to apply processes and tools used by industry, academia, and venture capitalists to translate their concepts and research into useful products.

As Program Director, you will contribute to the overall success of the RNMA by coordinating requirements and activities between AFRL, RNMA leadership, its members and collaborators through its collaborative funding program and tracking and reporting the performance, cost, schedule, and impact of each collaboration activity. Moreover, you will identify strengths in organizations and individuals, build productive coalitions, and represent the RMNA with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. To be successful, you will utilize effective oral and written communications with academic, industry, and government collaborators across the Mid-Atlantic region and provide crisp, compelling, and clear guidance in the coordination of interorganizational teams.

Responsibilities
As Program Director, you will manage and optimize RNMA's engagement with the Air Force Research Laboratory enterprise, as well as the United States Air Force and Space Force, by recruiting, energizing, and stimulating translational collaboration among colleges and universities, defense contractors of diverse sizes and sectors, and early-stage companies in civil and commercial markets. You will work in partnership with internal and external teams to lead and coordinate research translation activities across organizational boundaries.

Additionally, you will work to expand RNMA membership, including government, academic, startup, investor, and industry members and maximize effectiveness of RNMA operations, including research and workforce development activities; tracking project milestones, managing and reporting financial performance; streamlining daily operations; evaluating RNMA performance; and executing special projects.

Through leading the RNMA's partnership funding program, you will encourage the formation and development of multi-organizational research teams and provide mentorship and support to RNMA members applying for funding.

While you will not have direct reports, you will direct and coordinate the work of others via collaborative project management and contractual requirements. This role requires frequent travel (approximately 30% time) to AFRL locations, regional member sites, conferences, and events to promote the RNMA and engage with current and prospective members.

What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. The letter is an important component of your application.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination

  • Ability to think strategically and align multiple interests (especially educational, commercial, and governmental) to address broader needs or goals

  • Experience fostering successful collaborations or contributing to organizational partnerships

  • Proficiency in computer technology, including Microsoft Office applications, relational databases for talent management, customer relationship management, and other essential internet software

  • Strong skills in research, analysis, and reporting

  • Ability to organize, prioritize and monitor projects, tasks, and budgets

  • Effective communications with individuals and groups, including presentation and facilitation skills

  • Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

  • Working knowledge of applicable laws, contracts, and standards

  • Experience working effectively in a fast-paced and innovative team environment

  • Ability to mentor and motivate interorganizational teams and resolve conflicts

Additional preferred qualifications include:

  • An advanced degree (master's, professional or PhD) in science or engineering, business, or related field from an accredited academic institution

  • 7+ years of related experience, including project management and data analysis

  • Demonstrated understanding of current market trends and forces affecting innovation translation

  • Government Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certification or PMP certification

This is a fixed-term position with the appointment period based on available funding. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Rewards and Benefits

  • This position is located in Ithaca, New York on the campus of Cornell University. The position is eligible for a hybrid working arrangement with periodic work on campus expected. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

  • Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

  • Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions, we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.

  • Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

  • Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

University Job Title:

External Relations Officer IV

Job Family:

Administration

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$100,899.00 - $123,321.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Kathy McKee

Contact Email:

kem342@cornell.edu

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience

  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

  • Unique applicable skills

  • Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-04-04
Applied = 0

(web-f6fc48fb5-xcx64)