Vice Provost Research Admin., Innovation, And Sponsored Programs

TITLE: Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs

DIVISION: Division of Academic and Student Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Office of Sponsored Programs

REPORTS TO: Vice President and Provost

CLASSIFICATION: Staff -12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

Kentucky State University (KSU) seeks an innovative and experienced leader to serve as the Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President and Provost, the Vice Provost will provide strategic direction and oversight for research administration, innovation initiatives, and sponsored programs to support the university's mission of academic excellence and community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in research administration, grant management, innovation management, and partnership development, with a commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and innovation across the institution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to enhance research administration, innovation, and sponsored programs at KSU, aligning with the university's mission, goals, and priorities.

• Research Administration: Provide leadership and oversight for research administration functions, including proposal development, grant management, compliance, and reporting, to support faculty research endeavors and maximize external funding opportunities.

• Innovation and Technology Transfer: Promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by facilitating technology transfer, commercialization activities, and startup incubation programs in collaboration with faculty, students, industry partners, and regional stakeholders.

• Sponsored Programs Management: Oversee the administration of sponsored programs, contracts, and grants, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and policies, and providing support and guidance to faculty and staff throughout the grant lifecycle.

• Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government agencies, foundations, and other external stakeholders to enhance research collaborations, secure funding, and promote technology transfer, innovation, and economic development.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships among faculty, students, and external stakeholders to address complex societal challenges and advance knowledge in key research areas.

• Ethics and Compliance: Ensure adherence to ethical standards, integrity, and compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and best practices governing research, innovation, and sponsored programs activities.

• Budget Oversight: Manage budgetary resources allocated to research administration, innovation, and sponsored programs, ensuring effective stewardship, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Faculty Development: Provide professional development opportunities, training, and support to faculty members to enhance their research capabilities, grant writing skills, and success in securing external funding.

• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report data on research productivity, sponsored funding, innovation outcomes, and other relevant metrics to inform decision-making, demonstrate institutional impact, and support accreditation and assessment efforts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

The essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be an impactful Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs at Kentucky State University:

Knowledge:

• Research Administration: Comprehensive understanding of research administration practices, including grant proposal development, budget management, compliance, and reporting.

• Sponsored Programs Management: Familiarity with the policies, regulations, and best practices governing sponsored programs, contracts, and grants at the federal, state, and institutional levels.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Knowledge of innovation ecosystems, technology transfer processes, intellectual property rights, and entrepreneurship support programs in academia.

• Higher Education Administration: Understanding of the structure, policies, and procedures of higher education institutions, including research administration and academic governance.

• Funding Landscape: Awareness of funding opportunities available from government agencies, foundations, industry partners, and other sources to support research and innovation activities.

Skills:

• Grant Writing: Proficiency in preparing competitive grant proposals, including conceptualization, writing, budget development, and submission.

• Partnership Development: Skill in cultivating and maintaining strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including industry, government agencies, and foundations.

• Project Management: Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, set priorities, allocate resources, and meet deadlines within a complex organizational environment.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.

• Negotiation: Skill in negotiating contracts, agreements, and other arrangements with external collaborators and funding agencies.

• Data Analysis: Capacity to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making, assess performance, and measure the impact of research and sponsored programs.

• Leadership: Ability to provide visionary leadership, inspire others, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment conducive to innovation and excellence.

• Ethical Decision-Making: Commitment to upholding ethical standards, integrity, and compliance with all relevant regulations and policies governing research and sponsored programs activities.

Abilities:

• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to advance research, innovation, and sponsored programs in alignment with institutional goals and priorities.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify challenges, develop innovative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances in a dynamic higher education environment.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Aptitude for fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships to address complex societal challenges and advance knowledge across academic disciplines.

• Change Management: Ability to lead organizational change, inspire innovation, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

• Team Leadership: Skill in motivating and empowering teams, delegating responsibilities, and fostering a culture of teamwork, trust, and accountability.

By possessing these essential knowledge, skills, and abilities, a Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs at Kentucky State University will be well-equipped to provide strategic leadership and drive excellence in research, innovation, and sponsored programs to advance the university's mission and impact.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs at Kentucky State University will have supervisory responsibility over a diverse range of functions and personnel to effectively lead and manage the research, innovation, and sponsored programs portfolio. The supervisory responsibilities may include:

• Research Administration Team: Overseeing a team of research administrators responsible for assisting faculty members in grant proposal development, budget preparation, compliance management, and pre- and post-award administration.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship Staff: Directing staff members involved in technology transfer, commercialization activities, startup incubation programs, and entrepreneurship support services to promote innovation and industry collaboration.

• Sponsored Programs Office: Managing the Sponsored Programs Office, which may include grants and contracts specialists, compliance officers, and administrative staff responsible for pre-award and post-award administration of sponsored projects.

• Interdisciplinary Research Centers/Institutes: Providing oversight to interdisciplinary research centers, institutes, or initiatives focused on specific research areas or thematic priorities, including staffing, budget management, and strategic direction.

• Faculty Development Programs: Leading faculty development initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities, grant writing skills, and success in securing external funding, which may involve coordinating workshops, seminars, and mentoring programs.

• Ethics and Compliance Personnel: Collaborating with ethics and compliance officers to ensure adherence to ethical standards, integrity, and compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations governing research, innovation, and sponsored programs.

• External Partnerships and Collaborations: Coordinating with external partners, industry stakeholders, government agencies, and foundations to facilitate research collaborations, secure funding opportunities, and promote technology transfer and innovation.

• Budget and Resource Allocation: Managing budgetary resources allocated to research administration, innovation, and sponsored programs, including personnel, operations, and strategic investments to support institutional priorities and objectives.

• Performance Evaluation and Professional Development: Conducting performance evaluations, providing feedback, and facilitating professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance their skills, competencies, and career advancement within the organization.

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and guidance to the entire team to align research, innovation, and sponsored programs activities with institutional goals, values, and priorities.

By effectively supervising and leading these key areas and personnel, the Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs at Kentucky State University will play a crucial role in advancing the university's research enterprise, promoting innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration across the institution.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods

• Occasional ability to lift, carry, and put away parcels weighing up to 20 pounds

• Normal physical mobility, which includes movement from place to place

• Normal physical strength to handle routine office materials and tools

• Normal endurance

• Periodic travel, including airline travel and overnight stays, may be required.

OTHER DUTIES:

In addition to the core responsibilities and supervisory duties, the Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs at Kentucky State University may be assigned other duties as needed to support the university's research, innovation, and sponsored programs agenda. These additional duties may include:

• Strategic Planning: Participating in the development and implementation of strategic plans, goals, and initiatives related to research, innovation, and sponsored programs in collaboration with senior leadership, faculty, and stakeholders.

• Policy Development: Collaborating with institutional leadership, faculty governance bodies, and regulatory compliance offices to develop and revise policies, procedures, and guidelines related to research administration, innovation, and sponsored programs.

• Grant Review and Evaluation: Participating in grant review committees or advisory panels to evaluate grant proposals, provide feedback to applicants, and make funding recommendations based on merit, alignment with institutional priorities, and strategic goals.

• External Representation: Representing the university at conferences, meetings, and events related to research, innovation, and sponsored programs to enhance visibility, network with stakeholders, and promote collaboration opportunities.

• Faculty Recruitment and Retention: Collaborating with academic departments and recruitment committees to attract and retain talented faculty members engaged in research and innovation activities, including negotiating startup packages and research support.

• Research Compliance Oversight: Providing oversight and guidance on research compliance matters, including human subjects research, animal care and use, biosafety, export controls, and conflict of interest disclosures.

• Resource Development: Identifying and pursuing opportunities to secure external funding sources, philanthropic support, and corporate partnerships to support research, innovation, and sponsored programs initiatives.

• Technology Transfer and Licensing: Facilitating technology transfer activities, intellectual property management, and licensing agreements to commercialize university inventions and innovations for societal impact and economic development.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating with community organizations, government agencies, and industry partners to foster mutually beneficial partnerships, address community needs, and promote the university's role as a driver of regional innovation and economic growth.

• Data Analytics and Reporting: Analyzing data on research productivity, funding trends, innovation outcomes, and impact metrics to inform decision-making, strategic planning, and institutional reporting requirements.

• Faculty Awards and Recognition: Administering faculty awards, honors, and recognition programs to celebrate research excellence, innovation, and scholarly achievements within the university community.

• Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities for process improvements, operational efficiencies, and organizational effectiveness in research administration, innovation management, and sponsored programs operations.

These additional duties may vary depending on Kentucky State University's evolving needs, priorities, and strategic direction and the broader landscape of research, innovation, and sponsored programs in higher education. The Vice Provost for Research Administration, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs will be critical in advancing the university's mission and impact through effective leadership, collaboration, and strategic initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• A terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field from an accredited institution.

• Substantial experience (at least 7 years) in research administration, grant management, innovation management, sponsored programs, or related roles within higher education or research-intensive organizations.

• Demonstrated success in securing external funding through grant writing, proposal development, and sponsored programs management.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Knowledge of federal regulations, compliance requirements, and ethical standards governing research, sponsored programs, and innovation activities.

• Experience in promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of research, innovation, and sponsored programs.

LICENSING AND CREDENTIALING:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and membership in either the Research Administrators Certification Council, the Society of Research Administrators International, or the National Grants Management Association. Kentucky State University recognizes that an individual, through experience and testing, has the fundamental knowledge necessary to be a professional research or sponsored programs administrator.

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA): Offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) or the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI), the CRA certification demonstrates expertise in research administration, including grants and contracts management, compliance, and ethics.

• Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS): Provided by the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), the CGMS certification validates proficiency in grants management practices, policies, and regulations.

• Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA): Offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC), the CPRA certification demonstrates expertise in pre-award administration, including research partnership and funding, project development and proposal submission, budget design and development, compliance and ethics.

• Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA): Offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC), the CFRA certification demonstrates expertise in financial research administration, including governing framework, project costs, fiscal and reporting compliance.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.