Description

Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

                                             Director II

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President for Research, the Director manages the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, with the ultimate goal of increasing external funding, through competitive governmental grants in particular, in support of the University’s mission to advance student learning and faculty research and enhance in general, the research and scholarly environment at the University. This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

ORSP supports the University’s mission to advance student learning and faculty research and to enhance research and creative works at the University.  ORSP manages the University’s annual Research Days, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships and Kean Quest, a student academic journal, and supports more than 30 Research Centers and Institutes, including Wenzhou-Kean University in China.

This is not a remote position and requires physical presence on campus as determined by the Supervisor. It requires working on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic and interacting directly with students following all procedures and protocols set forth in the University’s Restart Plan and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence. The employee must have the ability to wear a face covering for the duration of the workday during the COVID pandemic or as determined by university.

1. Serves as the University’s Senior Grant Officer (toward enhancing external funding activity)

• Directs the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and provides leadership in grant funding across the institution
• Administers the development of all university proposals seeking external governmental funds (federal, state & local); serves as university liaison or appoints a liaison with funding sources
• Serves on grant-related boards as needed
• Works closely with faculty and academic deans to generate interest in grant support and advises on related academic policies
• Provides managerial and fiscal oversight and direction to all grant-funded projects (oversees all awards and reporting requirements)
• Develops and implements all policies and procedures for grants and contracts
• Handles all grant-related agreements and process awards
• Serves as compliance officer for all grant-related federal and state guidelines
• Pre-Award Grant Coordinator & Post-Award Grant Administrator, Researcher, and Administrative Support
• Plans, organizes and implements the University’s annual Research Days event across all instructional sites, including Wenzhou Kean University
• Coordinates faculty mentored student research across all instructional sites, including Wenzhou Kean University
• Oversees faculty training to enhance research participation
• Oversees the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

1. Serves as Senior Research Officer (toward enhancing research activity)

• Administers all internal research award programs and produces student research publications (including the Released Time for Research / Untenured Faculty Research Initiative / Tenured Faculty Research Initiative / Students Partnering with Faculty/ Faculty Seed Grant award programs)
• Administers all faculty travel and career development programs and tracks all travel activities by professional staff and managers
• Serves as compliance officer for research with human subjects (serves as university liaison; administers the application and review process; chairs and convenes the Institutional Review Board; serves as an Institutional Review Board resource)
• Serves as Research Integrity Officer (handles grievances and complaints; administers hearings; prepares reports internally and to the federal government)
• Organizes faculty and student research forums and symposia
• Develops research reports and communication vehicles to advance the University’s research agenda internally and showcase research contributions by faculty externally

1. Serves as the University’s Oversight Administrator of all sponsored programs

• Provides oversight to all grant-funded centers and institutes
• Develops and implements policies regarding sponsored programs
• Assists in budgeting and review budgets for all sponsored programs
• Prepares regular reports on programming and revenues

1. Participates in divisional activities as required by the Senior Vice President for Research

1. Supervises Office staff and directs work operations; develops performance standards; reviews and makes performance evaluations; provides guidance and counsel to staff; and approves personnel actions within the program for next level review including promotions, hiring and disciplinary actions in accordance with university policies and state regulations

1. Administers and interprets applicable federal and state laws that impact upon the university and its research and grant programs and ensures compliance; follows all university policies and procedures

1. Directs the preparation of reports and studies containing findings and recommendations for the review, information and assistance of administrators

1. Establishes and maintains effective communication and cooperative working relationships with administrators, faculty and staff, government and private agencies and/or the public in order to accomplish the objectives of the program

1. Maintains integrity and appropriate confidentiality in all work operations

1. Approves and/or develops public relations materials for ORSP

1. Represents the office at conferences, seminars or meetings as required

1. Does related work as assigned by the Senior Vice President

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited college and four years of related professional experience is required or the equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the university
• Seven or more years of professional experience in sponsored grants and contracts administration in a university, government or non-profit environment is preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; the ability to multi-task and excellent problem-solving skills are essential
• Experience in writing, submitting and managing grants and funded programs (public and private)
• Familiarity with federal, state and municipal legalities and regulations that pertain to public/private funding sources and higher education
• Thorough understanding of budgeting and grants accounting techniques
• Contacts and experience in working with colleagues from various federal, state and municipal entities, as well as those from higher education institutions