Dir, Office of Science and Innovation

Job Posting Title

Dir, Office of Science and Innovation

Agency

628 CNTR. FOR ADVANC. OF SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY

Supervisory Organization

Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology - OCAST

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Note : Applications will be accepted until 11 : 59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full / Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Salary range : $85,000 - $105,000 commensurate with education & experience

Job Description

Basic Purpose

Under general supervision, the Director of the Office of Science and Innovation is responsible for advancing OCAST's mission and enhancing the state’s innovation ecosystem.

The Director will strategically plan and coordinate programs to achieve the agency’s goals, represent OCAST at various forums, follow and report on pertinent legislation, and oversee key staff members.

This role requires a visionary leader capable of driving the agency forward, developing strategic initiatives to improve Oklahoma’s rankings in national and international innovation indexes, increasing awareness of OCAST programs and services, and promoting storytelling to highlight the state's science and innovation efforts.

The Director is an integral part of the executive leadership team of the agency.

Typical Functions (Examples of Work Performed)

1. In consultation with the executive director and other applicable agency staff, directs the design, development, and implementation of agency legislative goals and strategies for securing desired legislative and executive actions.

Acts as a key strategic advisor to the executive director.

2. Supervises and provides guidance to the Data Analytics Program Manager, Policy and Planning Legislative Liaison, and Communications Manager / Public Information Officer to ensure alignment with OCAST’s goals and strategies.

Provides leadership, mentorship, and performance evaluations for staff members.

3. Supports and executes strategic initiatives aimed at improving Oklahoma’s rankings in national and international innovation indexes.

Identifies and implements best practices and innovative strategies to position Oklahoma as a leader in science and technology.

4. Enhances the visibility and awareness of OCAST programs and services through effective communication and outreach strategies.

Utilizes storytelling to showcase OCAST’s impact and Oklahoma's innovation activities and efforts.

5. Collaborates with OCAST staff to identify and document programs and services that require legislative and executive support.

Research and reports on relevant legislation, budget information, and programs from other states.

6. Serves as the lead for ensuring data availability and accuracy to drive agency initiatives forward. Oversees the collection, analysis, storage, and reporting of data critical to OCAST’s decision-making processes and strategic planning.

7. Consults with OCAST stakeholders to understand client needs, agency capabilities, and the legislative process. Provides status updates on desired actions and legislative developments.

8. Directs and coordinates communication and outreach efforts with state-level public officials and various organizations at the urban, state, and national levels.

Explains OCAST’s mission, programs, and impact, addresses requests for information and assistance, and informs staff and board members about relevant public policy developments.

9. Oversees special projects assigned by the executive director, including implementation and planning. Directs the selection and management of consultants for special projects.

10. Assists with the development, evaluation, revision, and distribution of OCAST’s five-year Strategic Plan and annual Business Plans.

Ensures that these plans align with the State’s Science and Innovation Strategic Plan.

11. Supports the planning, preparation, and promotion of agency-sponsored events.

12. Assists with the annual impact survey process to ensure timely completion and compliance with agency standards. Explores methods to improve the survey process and data collection to make it consistent across programs, thereby improving reliability and functionality.

Coordinates the development of the final report.

13. Works to identify strategic relationships for the agency to develop and maintain; including industry leaders, academic institutions, and government officials, to foster collaboration and support for OCAST initiatives.

14. Monitors and analyzes trends in science and technology to inform the agency’s strategic direction and program development.

15. Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and other communications to the OCAST board, stakeholders, and the public.

16. Maintains awareness and aids with agencies compliance with state and federal regulations relevant to the agency’s operations and programs.

17. Oversees budget planning and fiscal management for the Office of Science and Innovation, ensuring the efficient use of resources to achieve the agency’s goals.

Level Descriptor

Levels are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the level of expertise required for completion of work assignments, and the responsibility assigned for the supervision of others.

At this level incumbents are assigned responsibilities for directing and coordinating functions and activities related to multiple divisions of the agency, including the direction and supervision of administrators who are responsible for the direction of other programs included in the assigned area of responsibility.

Job Skills

Candidates should possess strong analytical capabilities and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, including making effective public presentations and dealing with a variety of individuals in person, in conference settings, and over the telephone.

Ability to interpret and explain applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Skill in preparing clear, concise, and informative reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

Strong customer service focus and the ability to build strong relationships. Excellent attention to detail and highly competent follow-through of work requirements.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and strong presentation skills are required.

Education and Experience

Required : Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred. At least five years relevant experience in at least one or a combination of the following : policy planning, legislative / government affairs, communications / marketing, data analytics, economic development, program management, or other equivalent area.

This position is registered with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission as a Lobbyist Liaison for a state agency

Preferred : Background in economic development and / or public policy / law, database management and information research and analysis

Additional Some in-state travel will be involved. Some work on weekends will be involved.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday .