What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Vice President for Research position at usm?
Job Summary
Oversees the Office of Research Administration. Coordinates development and administration of
externally funded research and sponsored program activities for the University
of Southern Mississippi and ensures the University complies with all Federal,
State and sponsor regulations regarding the programmatic and financial
administration of funded grants and contracts. Ensures the use and awareness of best practices for research administration
and implements systems and training programs to support the research mission. Oversees
strategic initiatives for the Vice President for Research.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervises the operations of the Office of Research Administration by ensuring best practices in the management of external sponsored project funding by facilitating; a) information dissemination related to sponsored projects, b) submission of all sponsored projects proposals on behalf of the University, c) review and negotiation of sponsored project award agreements, d) expenditure review and approval related to funded awards, e) financial invoicing and reporting, and f) audits. Ensures use of appropriate technology to facilitate ORA activities and data availability. As authorized by the USM President, provides signature authority on agreements and other documents related to external funding.
- Ensures professional development and training for faculty and staff to assist in the submission of proposals and implementation of sound management of projects awarded to the University. Ensures policy and procedure documents, website, and other tools for faculty and staff are available and maintained.
- Interacts with faculty, researchers, deans, directors, staff and leadership to answer questions, and investigate and resolve problems with diligence and professionalism.
- Monitors national developments in academic research funding and related regulations. Advises the Vice President for Research in all matters pertaining to research administration. Collaborates with other members of the VPR staff, including economic development, technology transfer, research security, coastal operations, and research integrity. Represents the Vice President for Research at both USM and external meetings and events as required.
- Engages with representatives of federal and state government agencies, government officials, nonprofit organizations, and business and industry partners to develop projects and programs of mutual interest, and to address any questions or concerns about funded projects.
- Oversees strategic initiatives to enhance the research mission, including grant and contract compliance under federal law and regulation such as USM’s compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification process. Collaborates with other stakeholders within and external to USM.
- Serves as an ex-officio member of the Research Advisory Council, the USM Research Foundation, and on other university committees as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
