Assistant Director – Research Advancement

Job Description

The School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE) is seeking an Assistant Director (AD) to join the team and serve in a leadership role in the advancement of critical research initiatives. SEMTE is a school in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and is shaping the next generation of experts in biological design, aerospace, mechanical, chemical, and materials science and engineering.

In collaboration with leadership, this position will promote the strategic advancement of meaningful research and sponsored activity. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in building a collaborative and forward-thinking team. The AD is also responsible for integrating research support services within the school and is the primary contact for any significant pre- and post-award concerns. The AD assists with leading the planning, training, and implementation of administrative and operational initiatives pertaining to research administration.

This is a high level, career track position (Level 4 of 6) with opportunities to increase complexity based on job performance.

Working at ASU has additional perks and outstanding benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members, state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of the total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator.

Engineering will consider a relocation stipend for candidates on a case-by-case basis.

Salary Range

$79,000 - $95,000 per year; DOE

Essential Duties:

Personnel Management/Supervision

Manages the day-to-day operations of the research enterprise in SEMTE. The SEMTE research team currently has three Pre-Award staff and four Post-Award Staff.

Responsible for personnel actions in accordance with university polices.

Conduct employee reviews and make recommendations on promotions and annual merit increases.

Design, coordinate and support team development by providing training for department staff.

Provide expert guidance and counsel to staff when issues, questions, or other matters arise relating to proposals, awards, and contract negotiations.

Setting strategic team goals to improve work methods and procedures.

Evaluates work methods and procedures and sets clear team goals.

Fosters a positive team climate by working collaboratively.

Leadership

Leads new administrative initiatives impacting research administration and compliance.

Provides research data to drive decision making.

Provides specific guidance and strategic focus for research administration to leadership.

Serve as a resource for resolution of issues related to sponsored research including both pre- and post-award at all levels.

Manages operational initiatives and process in pre-award and post-award areas.

Responsible for the budgeting and forecasting process of faculty discretionary accounts for the school.

Develops, directs and implements policies and procedures relative to pre-and post-award operations within the School.

Collaborates closely with the SEMTE school leadership, business office, and HR to influence change management as needed within the school's processes.

Communications

Exercises the highest level of discretion in dealing with sensitive and/or confidential information concerning professional and personal issues.

Works closely with the SEMTE leadership team to identify challenges and solutions to meet the school's goals.

Responds to requests timely using highly effective interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and methods.

Proactively takes the lead on needed tasks, such as updating sponsor-specific documents and drafting correspondence that will be disseminated to the faculty.

Workload in either Financial Account Support or Pre-Award/Proposal Support

Financial Account Support

Manages a complex portfolio of accounts; analyzes and prepares reports.

Monitors and approves expenditures and various financial processes related to sponsored projects.

Forecasts accounts to avoid deficits and provide information to end users for decision making.

Pre-Award/Proposal Support

Responsible for development, preparation, and submission of research proposals.

Administrative resource to investigators, provides guidance and counsel during development and proposal submission.

• Assists with post submission action items requested by the sponsor such as just-in-time requests, revised budgets, scope of work changes, and additional certifications.

Manages cost share, limited submissions, and internal funding initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field AND six years administrative experience in a field appropriate to the area/unit of assignment, which includes three years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in taking initiative, diplomatic, proactive, effectively manages stressful situations.
• Experience in work that requires organization, time management, and detail oriented.
• Evidence of effective communication skills.
• Evidence of analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Evidence of supervision including leadership, team coordination, and performance building.
• Demonstrated knowledge of policies and regulations pertaining to proposal, grants, and contracts administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgetary principles, practices, and procedures.
• Experience in managing large international collaborations and complex multi-sub award projects.

Experience working across multiple disciplines, in transdisciplinary environment.

Experience working in higher education.

Experience in preparing and producing complex/detailed documents, financial reports, spending projections, and related materials for a high volume of awards.

Experienced problem solver who takes initiative, manages a complex workload effectively and set priorities while being flexible.

Experience managing a team with flexible work arrangements.

Working Environment

Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting.

Use office equipment, including a desktop computer.

Lift up to 20 pounds

Communicate to perform essential duties

Work both independently or within a complex structured team

Normally receives no instructions on routine work and general.

instructions on new assignments with review of completed tasks.

Exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market.

Flexible work options are available after at least the first ninety (90) days.

Alternative work schedules can include four 10-hour workdays in a workweek, a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only, and staggered start and stop times.

Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.