Managing Director, Imageomics Institute and AI and Biodiversity Change Global Center

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Job Title:

Managing Director, Imageomics Institute and AI and Biodiversity Change Global Center

Department:

Engineering | Computer Science and Engineering

The Imageomics Institute is a $16M National Science Foundation (NSF) Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) Institute established to create machine learning tools using publicly funded collections of digital image data from national centers, field stations, museums and individual laboratories that will enable scientists to study how function follows form in all areas of biology and expand public understanding of the rules of Life on Earth and how it evolves.

The Global Center on AI and Biodiversity Change (ABC) brings together a team of researchers from ecology and computer science to develop new AI-enabled, data-supported approaches for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on biodiversity. The ~$9M Center includes partnerships with a global network of collaborators from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Africa, India, Central America, and the EU, including representatives from academic institutions, multi-institution research collaborations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and industry.

Reporting to the Director of the Imageomics Institute and AI and Biodiversity Change (ABC) Global Center, the Managing Director plays a pivotal role as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team for both organizations. This high-level leadership position oversees a wide array of strategic initiatives, with direct responsibility for managing NSF grants and sub-award activities, while spearheading new grant development efforts to position The Ohio State University as a global leader in AI for Nature. The Managing Director has a broad and influential role, driving key aspects of organizational strategy, community expansion, partnership building, budgeting, grant reporting, personnel management, and operations.

In this role, the Managing Director is responsible for the full operational management of both organizations, providing fiscal and human resource leadership, guiding long-term strategic planning, and directing the development and implementation of grant-funded programs. The incumbent will shape and assess research strategies, establish organizational standards, and monitor progress towards ambitious institutional goals. Building successful partnerships with internal and external entities—including academic institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and international stakeholders—is a critical aspect of this role, aimed at advancing both research and future grant opportunities.

The Imageomics Institute is a $16M National Science Foundation (NSF) Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) Institute established to create machine learning tools using publicly funded collections of digital image data from national centers, field stations, museums and individual laboratories that will enable scientists to study how function follows form in all areas of biology and expand public understanding of the rules of Life on Earth and how it evolves.

The Global Center on AI and Biodiversity Change (ABC) brings together a team of researchers from ecology and computer science to develop new AI-enabled, data-supported approaches for understanding the impacts of environmental changes on biodiversity. The ~$9M Center includes partnerships with a global network of collaborators from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, Africa, India, Central America, and the EU, including representatives from academic institutions, multi-institution research collaborations, governmental agencies, NGOs, and industry.

Reporting to the Director of the Imageomics Institute and AI and Biodiversity Change (ABC) Global Center, the Managing Director plays a pivotal role as a core member of the Executive Leadership Team for both organizations. This high-level leadership position oversees a wide array of strategic initiatives, with direct responsibility for managing NSF grants and sub-award activities, while spearheading new grant development efforts to position The Ohio State University as a global leader in AI for Nature. The Managing Director has a broad and influential role, driving key aspects of organizational strategy, community expansion, partnership building, budgeting, grant reporting, personnel management, and operations.

In this role, the Managing Director is responsible for the full operational management of both organizations, providing fiscal and human resource leadership, guiding long-term strategic planning, and directing the development and implementation of grant-funded programs. The incumbent will shape and assess research strategies, establish organizational standards, and monitor progress towards ambitious institutional goals. Building successful partnerships with internal and external entities—including academic institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and international stakeholders—is a critical aspect of this role, aimed at advancing both research and future grant opportunities.

The Managing Director leads and inspires a team of at least 5 FTE staff members, as well as multiple student employees, across a range of essential areas including marketing, communications, technical management, organizational operations, and program administration. Acting as the primary representative for the Imageomics Institute and the ABC Center, the Managing Director regularly engages with national and international communities, presenting at conferences and serving on committees. This includes the coordination of global community-building efforts in AI for Nature, working in close collaboration with international NGOs, government bodies, and leading academic institutions. This also involves leadership within the NSF Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) Ecosystem, where the Managing Director co-leads national communication and reporting initiatives, oversees the annual HDR conference, and organizes ecosystem-wide workshops and programming aimed at expanding the data science community.

The Managing Director also plays a significant role in advancing the field of team science, partnering with internal experts to co-create and disseminate best practices, contribute to scholarly publications and conference workshops, and develop a comprehensive interdisciplinary metrics dashboard that measures KPIs, collaboration, and the global impact of imageomics.

In addition, the Managing Director drives interdisciplinary and collaborative research efforts, both within the organization and with external partners, identifying funding opportunities and contributing to the preparation, writing, and submission of grant proposals. This position also oversees the design and implementation of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary educational programs, including the development of AI for ecology courses and workshops. Finally, the Managing Director serves as course administrator for a yearlong interdisciplinary field course, coordinating the logistics for faculty and students traveling to remote field sites in the U.S. and abroad.

This is a high-impact leadership role with broad scope, designed for a strategic, visionary leader who will drive the future direction of both the Imageomics Institute and ABC Center while positioning The Ohio State University as a leader in the intersection of AI and nature.

Responsibilities of the Managing Director include:

Executive Leadership and Strategic Planning:

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team for both the Imageomics Institute and the ABC Global Center, with potential for expanding leadership across additional AI for Nature grants and initiatives at Ohio State. 
• Drive strategic planning initiatives to shape long-term goals and organizational direction.
• Lead community expansion and partnership building with national and international stakeholders.
• Build successful partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, government agencies, and other external entities.
• Formulate and assess strategies for grant-related programming and research convergence.

Grant and Research Management:

• Oversee NSF grant and sub-award activities, ensuring compliance and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead the development and execution of new grant proposals to position The Ohio State University as a leader in AI for Nature.
• Shape, implement, and assess strategies for advancing grant-related programming and research convergence.

Operational and Fiscal Leadership:

• Provide fiscal leadership, including budget development, grant reporting, and financial oversight.
• Direct all operational aspects, including human resources, IT management, and organizational administration.
• Establish, monitor, and communicate progress toward organizational goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement standards and policies for both organizations.

Personnel Management:

• Manage personnel planning and supervision for a team of at least 5 FTE employees and multiple student staff across marketing, communications, technical management, and program administration.
• Inspire, guide, and oversee staff and student employees in their roles and professional development.

Educational and Community Initiatives:

• Oversee the design and implementation of innovative, interdisciplinary educational programs, including courses and workshops in AI for ecology.
• Serve as course administrator for a yearlong interdisciplinary field course, coordinating faculty and student logistics for remote field sites in the U.S. and internationally.
• Lead international community-building efforts for the AI for Nature community, collaborating with NGOs, government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to create a collaborative, inclusive, and engaged community.
• Identify opportunities for community outreach and coordinate research teams to design and implement impactful engagement activities.

Team Science and Data Science Leadership:

• Advance team science efforts by co-creating and disseminating best practices, contributing to publications and conference workshops.
• Develop and manage an interdisciplinary metrics dashboard to measure KPIs, collaboration, and global impact.
• Lead national communication and reporting initiatives as part of the NSF Harnessing the Data Revolution (HDR) Ecosystem.
• Organize and facilitate the annual HDR conference and ecosystem-wide workshops to broaden the data science community.

Note: This position will be located at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH with possibilities of virtual and flexible work arrangements. Some travel is required with this position.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration, Project Management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Required (5 years of relevant experience as listed)

• Experience in building and managing diverse teams and partnerships.
• Strong background in overseeing complex projects and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in budget development and financial reporting.
• Ability to engage diverse communities and foster collaborations.
• Experience in sponsored projects/grants management, experience with federal grants.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively and efficiently, outstanding organizational and planning skills, strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team; aptitude for accuracy and attention to detail.

Desired Experience (8-12 years of relevant experience as listed)

Masters, Doctoral or Professional degree in Business Administration, Higher Education Administration or equivalent combination of education and experience. OSU experience strongly preferred.

• Experience working with large interdisciplinary science teams.
• Background in designing and implementing educational programs.
• Understanding of team science principles and practices.
• PMP certification or equivalent experience

Additional Information:

The target hiring range for this job profile is $87,400 - $114,900. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc. 

Location:

Pomerene Hall (0067)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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