The Concrete Masonry Checkoff is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking contractor to redefine how concrete masonry is represented in higher education. This role is a strategic, industry-shaping position responsible for building a national movement within universities and transforming the presence of masonry across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) programs.
The University Relations and Research Coordinator will lead the development and execution of a nationwide university engagement strategy. This includes creating and implementing new curriculum pathways and forging high-impact relationships with top institutions through sustained partnership development. The contractor will also organize and guide industry–university committees, ensuring that collaboration leads to tangible academic advancement.
Working across four Checkoff regions, the selected contractor will lead the development of a unified strategy for university engagement, ensuring consistent messaging, curriculum presence, and partnership development on campuses. The mission is to transform masonry education in universities—addressing its underrepresentation and establishing concrete masonry as a central building material and essential component of AEC curricula. This role calls for a strategic leader who can identify priority universities, maximize engagement, and create a lasting presence at institutions.
Budget & Proposal Requirements
The total annual budget available for this contract for one fiscal year is $120,000.00. Respondents must submit a complete and detailed cost proposal for this part-time consulting engagement that includes the following:
- A full proposed budget outlining anticipated hours, rates, and total cost for services.
- Estimated travel costs for approximately 8–12 trips per year, as program needs require, to support university engagement across four Checkoff regions, including lodging, meals, and transportation.
Note: The total compensation and expenses must fit within the annual budget.
Scope of Work / Responsibilities
- Strategic Plan Development and Relationship Building (Key Deliverable)
Present a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan for university engagement, curriculum development and implementation, and research strategy. The plan should:
- Identify priority universities and outline a roadmap for relationship-building, curriculum integration, and engagement with key decision-makers.
- Establish yearly key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and impact.
- Develop a coordinated effort across Checkoff Regions I, II, III, and IV to ensure curriculum development and research initiatives are aligned.
- Include anticipated funding and resources needed to support implementation on campuses, such as travel, research funding, professor compensation, endowments, and other investments.
- Initiate and grow relationships with priority universities, including planning and conducting onsite visits with key decision-makers.
- Participate in campus events and foster collaboration opportunities to ensure the Checkoff has a lasting presence and maximum engagement at each institution.
2. Task Group Leadership
- Organize and facilitate university-focused task groups across Regions I, II, III, and IV, including participation by the Checkoff Technical Directors to provide guidance and ensure alignment, while keeping Region V informed to maintain awareness across all regions.
- Engage task groups as active partners in shaping and implementing the 5-year strategic plan, leveraging their connections and insights to maximize regional participation and impact.
- Develop and provide training for committee members to ensure effective participation, collaboration, and execution of the strategic plan.
3. Research Committee Leadership
- Establish and lead a research committee composed of industry leaders, technical experts, and stakeholders from existing research initiatives.
- Serve as the central coordinator for all university and industry research efforts, bringing together ongoing studies to assess current results, identify gaps, and determine future research priorities.
- Guide the committee in developing a cohesive research strategy that aligns with the Checkoff’s goals, maximizes collaboration, and supports actionable outcomes for curriculum integration and industry advancement.
4. Oversight of Existing Programs
- Review and understand current university and research initiatives funded by the Checkoff.
- Engage program leads in task groups, foster alignment, and strengthen collaboration to maximize impact.
5. Securing Additional Funding
- Collaborate with grant funders and industry partner organizations to expand financial support for university research and curriculum initiatives.
- Assist in developing, coordinating, and supporting grant proposals as appropriate.
- Identify efficiencies and cost savings within existing Checkoff University programs; successful execution of these strategies may support the long-term development of this position into a full-time role.
- Secure external and partner funding to support program objectives.
- Develop self-funded university programs by coordinating local or regional industry dollars to support curriculum and research initiatives.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Establish milestone timelines and KPIs for all initiatives.
- Regularly assess progress and adjust strategies to ensure goals are met.
- Provide monthly updates to the Program Director and Regional teams.
Qualifications
The ideal contractor will demonstrate:
- Strong technical background in architecture, engineering, or a related field, with experience in concrete masonry preferred.
- Experience as a university professor or educator, with expertise in curriculum development.
- Proven leadership skills, with the ability to manage committees, cross-functional teams, and external partnerships.
- An example in leading change management initiatives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, including experience working with universities, industry associations, regional technical directors, and grant funders.
- Experience in securing research funding or grant dollars (preferred).
Proposal Submission Requirements
Interested contractors should submit a proposal that includes:
- Relevant experience and qualifications, including an example of successfully leading change in an academic, industry, or organizational setting.
- Approach to leading university relations and research initiatives.
- Strategy for organizing committees and engaging with grant funders.
- Proposed timeline and work plan for achieving the stated deliverables, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- An annual budget proposal, not to exceed $120,000, detailing the contractor’s cost of services, anticipated travel expenses, and other associated costs.
Submission Timeline
- RFP Release Date: December 1st, 2025
- Proposal Submission Deadline: January 2nd, 2026