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 and engagement with federal agencies and program offices to identify, develop, and advance strategic funding opportunities specifically for the NextGen 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 War, 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 NextGen MURR for long term federal support.
Serving as a key facilitator between MURR and NextGen MURR leadership, federal agencies, and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure the NextGen MURR project is aligned with federal mission needs and funding mechanisms.
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:
Strategic Advocacy & Legislative Oversight

• Strategy Execution: Lead the development, oversight, and real-time adjustment of federal funding strategies for MURR and NextGen MURR.
• Legislative Monitoring: Track proposed legislation, budget trends, and government reports to assess impacts on university initiatives.
• Event Management: Facilitate high-level federal agency and legislative meetings, hearings, receptions, and technical briefings to maintain a constant presence with decision-makers.
• Messaging Alignment: Partner with communications leaders and the UM System Office of Government Relations to ensure all external messaging is unified and professional.

Agency Engagement & Funding Development

• Agency Liaison: Build and sustain deep working relationships with program managers and leadership at DOE, DOW, DOC, NSF, and other federal agencies.
• Pipeline Identification: Proactively identify emerging federal priorities and new funding mechanisms specifically relevant to the design and construction of NextGen MURR.
• Briefing & Documentation: Produce high-impact background materials, technical briefings, and documentation to support formal funding requests and site visits.
• Technical Facilitation: Act as the primary translator between NextGen MURR and MURR technical teams and federal agency staff to align university capabilities with federal mission needs.

Stakeholder & Alumni Relations

• Relationship Management: Cultivate a robust network of external stakeholders and influential University of Missouri alumni in the D.C. area to garner advocacy and support.
• Broad Engagement: Participate in university-wide engagement events and support additional federal activities as requested by university leadership.

Operational Excellence & Accountability

• Autonomous Leadership: Exercise a high degree of autonomy in the D.C. area, serving as the "on-the-ground" representative for university interests.
• Metrics & Reporting: Develop sophisticated reporting templates and metrics to track strategy effectiveness and the status of the funding pipeline.
• Performance Recovery: Proactively identify strategy areas that are off-track and implement corrective recovery plans.
• Leadership Updates: Provide regular, professional briefings to MURR/NextGen MURR leadership and the UM System Office of Government Relations on progress and results.

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 M-F between the hours of 0700 hours to 1700 hours Central Time. 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.

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.