1069 Director, Office of Research Administration

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Director, Office of Research Administration

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1069

GRADE 47

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International Programs

MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR President

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Director, Office of Research Administration increases external funding, particularly government grant funding, by being aware of and communicating funding opportunities to faculty, stimulating and working with faculty to develop competitive proposals, working closely with academic administrators to identify targets of opportunity and to organize and work with faculty to develop proposals that respond to these opportunities, and developing and conducting training programs in grant preparation for faculty. The Director, Office of Research Administration ensures that University-based research, education, and service activities are planned and conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations in areas including, but not limited to, human subjects’ protection, care and use of animals, biosafety, radiation safety, conflict of interest, intellectual property, and export control. The Director, Office of Research Administration assures that University policies and procedures are consistent with applicable regulations and coordinates committees involved in overseeing activities related to these compliance areas.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Master's degree is required. A Doctorate is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of five years of experience working in a University research environment is required.

Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations related to compliance for grants and contracts is required. The ability to lead a research administration office, establish strategic priorities, and advocate effectively for internal and external support of research, scholarship and creative activity to advance the mission of the University is preferred. Competency in the use of Microsoft Office software especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Competency in computer programs related to electronic research administration, classroom-based and distance training, and report generation is preferred.

Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by University policy. This position may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides service to the faculty by facilitating their efforts to pursue scholarly activities, professional development, creative endeavors, training programs, equipment acquisition, and community service through the acquisition of extramural funding.

2. Promotes externally sponsored instructional, research and public service programs by disseminating information on funding sources to faculty.

3. Develops and updates, for review by institutional officials, policies and procedures to assure that University activities are in compliance with governmental regulations related to human subject protection, animal care and use, biosafety, export control, radiation safety, and other areas as assigned.

4. Oversees the activities of compliance committees including the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects, Animal Care and Use Committee, Institutional Biosafety, and Radiation Safety.

5. Provides pre-award administrative assistance to faculty applying to external agencies for project funding by reviewing proposals, assisting in the development of proposal budgets, critiquing proposals, ensuring that required certifications and institutional assurances and endorsements are prepared for signature by an authorized institutional representative, obtaining the approval of appropriate University administrators, and providing all pertinent information, as required, to the sponsor.

6. Serves as a liaison with governmental organizations that are responsible for implementing compliance regulations, including, but not limited to, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS), Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (DHHS-OLAW), and Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security (DOC-BIS).

7. Evaluates adherence to University, sponsor, federal, and state laws, regulations, and policies governing funded projects by reviewing all proposals, contracts and other agreements, submitted to external agencies by faculty and staff.

8. Assists faculty in locating potential funding opportunities by researching publications and electronic databases and disseminating information on funding sources to faculty and staff.

9. Assists in coordination of post-award processes by working with University administration, faculty, staff and funding agencies.

10. Serves on the University’s Environmental Management Policy Panel, the Federally Mandated Reporting/Disclosure Committee, and the Institutional Compliance Committee.

11. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

12. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, attending training and/or courses as directed by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International Programs.

13. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Research Administration by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISION

The Director, Office of Research Administration is supervised by the Vice President for Research and Economic Development and International Programs and exercises supervision of professional and administrative staff and graduate assistants.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JANUARY 2014