AERDF - Deputy Chief, R&D

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Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive experience managing complex, high-stakes R&D programs.
• Strong operational skills, including handling contracts, optimizing processes, and executing efficiently.
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking and thought partnership in research operations, focusing on improving processes rather than conducting research.
• Expertise in advanced research methodologies and frameworks
• Demonstrated success in navigating ambiguity, driving innovation, and fostering relationships across complex teams.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale technology procurement.
• Proficiency in cloud computing, big data analytics, and data security best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of AERDF’s advanced R&D capabilities and capacities.
• Lead the improvement and execution of AERDF’s advanced R&D contracting and procurement processes from design through assessment.
• Identify, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies to enhance AERDF’s R&D capabilities, conducting thorough due diligence and impact assessments.
• Develop strategic processes to accelerate the R&D processes, building a hub and spoke model and infrastructure.
• Automate repetitive tasks, eliminate bottlenecks, and uphold rigorous ethics and privacy standards to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Implement a robust strategic design framework for high-stakes R&D projects, proactively addressing challenges and de-risking high risk, high reward innovation.
• Monitor progress against KPIs using advanced analytics and provide actionable insights through custom dashboards and regular reporting to senior leadership.
• Establish and optimize department workflows that align with strategic goals while maximizing organizational impact and efficiency.
• Develop and lead sophisticated contract management processes with external vendors, research institutions, and technology providers.
• Support program leaders in crafting RFPs, negotiating terms, and ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering an innovative and growth-oriented culture where everyone has a sense of belonging..
• Build trusting and collaborative relationships with program team members to align R&D design, infrastructure and workflows with program objectives.
• Work with program team members to encourage and enable high risk, high reward opportunities for innovation.
• Identify talent needs and plan for future hires, including a Director of R&D Infrastructure and two additional roles focused on contract management, to enhance team capacity and drive strategic initiatives.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with stakeholders, vendors, and external organizations to ensure alignment and shared accountability.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and program managers, providing guidance, facilitating open communication, and supporting informed decision-making.