Associate Director Nuclear External Relations

Overview

This position leads the external relations of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) and Next Gen 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 / Next Gen MURR initiatives.

This role will interface primarily with the University of Missouri Government Relations, MURR, and Next Gen 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.

This role additionally leads engagement with federal agencies and program offices to identify, develop, and advance funding opportunities specifically for the Next Gen MURR reactor project. The position focuses on building and sustaining relationships with federal program managers and technical staff within agencies such as the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, and other relevant federal agencies.

This position works in close coordination with the University of Missouri System Office of Government Relations, which retains responsibility for all advocacy for the entire University of Missouri System. The Associate Director complements that work by engaging federal agencies to clarify programmatic priorities, identify funding pathways, and position MURR and Next Gen MURR for long-term federal support.

Serving as a key facilitator between MURR leadership, federal agencies, and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure the Next Gen MURR project is aligned with federal mission needs and funding mechanisms.

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

• 5–10 years of experience in legislative affairs or government agency engagement
• Experience working with federal agencies such as the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, or NIH
• Familiarity with programs, services, or products relevant to Next Gen MURR and the federal landscape surrounding nuclear research
• Background working within federal funding environments, including grants, federal programs, or legislative agencies

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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