Executive Director - Virginia Digital Maritime Center

Old Dominion University (ODU) seeks a visionary leader to grow an internationally recognized center in digital maritime research, workforce development, and economic development. The Virginia Digital Maritime Center (VDMC), one of ODU’s applied research centers, seeks an Executive Director with strong leadership and innovation skills in the maritime sector.

This position will be directly responsible for VDMC’s mission to support Virginia’s maritime enterprise by leading applied research and cutting-edge technology development to advance maritime innovation, strengthen the maritime workforce, foster collaborative partnerships, and drive economic growth in Virginia, specifically Hampton Roads. The Executive Director, with VDMC’s Assistant Director and three Pillar Leads (technology insertion, digital analytics and workforce development) will continue to develop effective partnerships with: Naval and commercial maritime stakeholders; ODU’s other applied research centers and main campus academic colleges, schools, and departments; international and national education and training stakeholders, and federal, state, and local agencies.

The successful candidate will be experienced in securing or managing funding for maritime projects, team development, and strategic leadership. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to research excellence and a strong record of research funding in a field directly applicable to the maritime sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Continue and accelerate VDMC’s growth as a national and international university leader in digital maritime research, workforce development, and economic development.
• Develop and implement strategic goals for VDMC in terms of research vision, growth, funding, and outreach.
• Cultivate domestic and international partnerships with government, industry, and academic stakeholders to expand funded research opportunities.
• Socialize and promote VDMC’s research, and researchers, in various forums, enhancing its reputation as a leader in digital maritime research.
• Champion a culture of research excellence, inclusivity, and collaboration among faculty, staff, and students while engaging actively in mentorship and professional development of VDMC’s team.
• Oversee operational, financial, and administrative functions to ensure the center’s success and growth.
• Develop and implement goals that align with the broader objectives of ODU’s research strategy.
• Promote economic development activities in the region by cultivating university partnerships with businesses and governmental agencies at all levels to exploit maritime-related technologies for commercial and socially responsible purposes.
• Identify and develop opportunities to commercialize intellectual property deriving from research and development activities.
• Engage university faculty in a variety of disciplines in research development activities related to the maritime sector, to include leading or coordinating the development and submission of proposals for extramural funding and cultivating intramural research collaboratives.
• Collaborate closely with university Academic Affairs leadership (Provost, Vice Provost, deans, and chairs) to design, field, and promote academic and workforce development programs related to digital maritime research.

VDMC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who contribute to our mission of advancing research and innovation.