Executive Director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Academic Affairs is seeking to hire a permanent Executive Director of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). This is a full-time administrative position reporting to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Responsibilities: As the chief research and sponsored programs officer of the campus, the Executive Director of ORSP provides dynamic, innovative leadership and advocacy for research and creative activities throughout the university and beyond. Working closely with colleagues in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), the executive director promotes faculty and academic staff research and professional development activities; stimulates and champions undergraduate research and creative activity in all disciplines; strives to enhance the capacity for scholarship and development of a strong campus culture in support of teacher-scholars and undergraduate student research mentors across the institution; oversees extramural grant development; and maintains a vibrant internal program for funding, awards, and celebration of success in scholarly activities.

This position will:

• Direct the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the University of Wisconsin System Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration. Oversee university programs and events promoting scholarly and creative activities in support of the mission to “maintain a supportive environment for research, scholarly and creative endeavors of the faculty, staff and students.”
• Oversee an extensive internal program that funds faculty and academic staff research and creative activity, student-faculty research collaboration, and professional development activities of faculty and academic staff. Chair, co-chair or manage committees that review proposals for awards, scholarships, and internal funding programs.
• Direct arrangements for a variety of campus events that highlight and celebrate scholarly work of faculty, staff, and students.
• Generate income through grants and funding. Promote more guidance toward grant funding that behooves UW-Eau Claire as a research institution. Provide periodic reports on funded programs to the campus and community.
• Mentor faculty and academic staff on strategic planning for their scholarly and professional development activities, work together with department chairs and AVCs to promote high-impact practices, and collaborate with the Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning to promote the overall success of teacher-scholars.
• Promote robust and equitable undergraduate student research opportunities and related professional development through collaborations with Admissions, ARCC, Blugold Fellows, Immersions, Learning and Technology Services, McNair Program, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Student Support Services, Mayo Clinic Health System-Northwest, UW-Eau Claire Foundation, and WiSys.
• Oversee extramural grant development and coordinate pre-award grant activities. Assist faculty and academic staff in identifying funding sources and developing successful extramural grant and sponsored program applications. Establish and maintain liaisons with federal, state, and private funding agencies. Initiate and lead proposal development for institutional-level initiatives. Oversee compliance functions (e.g., IRB, IACUC) and liaise regularly with the grant accountant and business services to promote smooth pre- to post-award transitions.
• Develop, recommend, and administer internal research and professional development budget accounts in consultation with the academic affairs budget officer, business services, college and graduate deans, and the associate vice chancellors.
• Represent the University at state, regional, and national levels; serve on University and UW System committees; assist the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in areas pertaining to research, scholarship and creative activity, extramural grants, and faculty development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Demonstrated success working with funded programs, particularly those with federal/state agency sponsorship.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply grant requirements and ability to follow through with commitments to university administration, faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in grants management.
• Ability to plan and orchestrate major campus research events (e.g., CERCA, Author’s Celebration).
• Experience with/leadership of university committees such as sabbatical leaves, IRB, and IACUC.
• Demonstrated leadership in faculty and academic staff research and professional development activities.
• Demonstrated ability to foster student/faculty collaborations.

Please submit to Jane Becker the following materials: 

• Letter expressing interest in the position; describing the strengths you would bring to the position; and documenting your involvement in grant writing, undergraduate research and/or work on internal/external grants.
• Names and contact information for three references.

All materials must be completed and received by Monday, October 16, 2023.

The University reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority(CSA) policy.

UW-Eau Claire is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disability employer dedicated to enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.