Director of Research Development, VOLARÉ Institute at Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

SUMMARY

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is seeking a Director of Research Development who will lead the development and implementation of the VOLARÉ Institute supported through a 3-year grant by the National Science Foundation.

The Director of Research Development (RD) supports and nurtures Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the VOLARÉ Institute and other related programs. The VOLARÉ Institute will guide cohorts of HSIs in growing their research capacity through a systematic program of assessment, planning, and implementation of new research-related structures and services at their institutions. The Director of RD develops, administers, and oversees all VOLARÉ Institute activities and events including the recruitment of HSI cohort participants; working with a team of experienced RD mentor/coaches to develop VOLARÉ modules and materials; identifying relevant experts to give workshops and presentations at VOLARÉ events; and ensuring that the VOLARÉ Institute is evaluated and adaptively managed over the course of the grant period. The Director of RD also promotes partnerships between and among researchers at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and other institutions and funding agencies to enhance institutional research competitiveness and to catalyze new research and institutional collaborations. The Director develops additional strategic initiatives to support research development and research administration efforts at HSIs, identifies and disseminates appropriate federal and private foundation funding opportunities for institutional themes as well as for individual research and education and outreach programs; oversees management and reporting on the sponsored research grant portfolio, and ensures HACU is meeting its grant-related federal compliance responsibilities.

HACU'S MISSION:

To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities fulfills its mission by:

• promoting the development of member colleges and universities;
• improving access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and
• meeting the needs of business, industry and government through the development and sharing of resources, information, and expertise.

BENEFITS

• HACU offers a friendly work environment and a generous company-paid benefits plan. Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• 15 company paid holidays.
• Employer-paid Group-Term Life, AD&D, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability benefits
• Generous employer-paid contributions toward healthcare plan expense
• 403(b), employer contributions (no match required) starting at six months of service.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Dental, Vision, Legal and Identity protection, and optional Accident, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity, and Dependent Life Insurance plans.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in related discipline is preferred.
• Advanced research or professional degree strongly preferred, with expert level knowledge of and experience in research development and sponsored research administration and or related equivalent combination of education and professional-level work experience.
• Prior experience and knowledge of HSIs/MSIs and STEM research experience.
• Prior experience working in academic environments, and prior experience supervising staff teams strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to facilitate transactions with researchers, faculty, staff, and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment; ability to work with significant deadline pressure and deal gracefully with researchers and other staff as deadlines approach.
• Expert knowledge of research development and pre- and post-award research administration processes.
• Proven high level experience working on complex programs, problems, and solutions both independently and as an effective team member.
• Extensive experience interacting effectively with all levels of employees, including executive staff, early to late career researchers, as well as officials from external organizations.
• Strong knowledge of team scholarship principles and best practices.
• Ability to independently apply a broad range of technical and specialized knowledge and significant job-related experience to handle complex situations.
• Knowledge and/or experience with relevant sponsored research software (e.g., Cayuse) for submission, tracking, and reporting purposes, as well as other relevant software.
• Discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
• Awareness of and sensitivity and commitment to issues related to inclusion and cultural diversity.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead VOLARÉ and other training programs on growing the research enterprise at HSIs.
• Develop and lead programs to build capacity at HSIs to increase research activity, catalyze collaborative research projects, and create new cultures of STEM research that is aligned with a Hispanic serving mission.
• Monitor the extramural sponsored research landscape, including federal and private foundation funding trends, engages with federal and private funding agencies, and provides strategic and tactical direction to address those trends supporting HSIs efforts.
• Design and implement virtual and in-person events.
• Create and maintain a website and resource library.
• Manages project budget and resources; and collaborates effectively with internal resources and external contributors.
• Responsible for monitoring and achieving project milestones and deliverables, coordinating with external evaluator, preparing, and presenting reports.
• Initiate and co-author publishable articles with HACU and VOLARÉ staff, mentors, and coaches, and other HACU partners.
• Initiate and coordinate the development and submission of proposals for future funding opportunities related to HACU's STEM Futures Institute and other initiatives.
• Represent the program in various national and international venues.
• Work with assigned Principal Investigators and Finance Grants Accounting staff on proposal planning and development, grant receipt, reporting, budget and scope of work changes, sub-award recipient monitoring, grant closing, and other aspects of grant pre and post award services.
• Advise leadership on new policies, procedures and practices related to sponsored research.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities for all assigned personnel in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable federal and state laws. Responsibilities would include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee will work a standard of 40 hours a week; however, longer hours may be necessary at times.
• Conferences and other HACU events may take place in hotel and/or convention center settings and require longer hours of work on a constantly changing schedule, including work on weekends and evenings.
• Working conditions are in an office environment with sitting or standing, computer data entry, answering phones.
• Occasionally moves items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally requires employee to squat, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach for items.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Positions self to perform essential functions of the job in an office setting.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Maintains and ensures security of HACU-issued equipment, software, data, and supplies.
• Travel may be required to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

In accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

EEO STATEMENT

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) believes that equal opportunity for all employees and applicants is important for the continuing success of our organization. As an equal opportunity employer, HACU is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and to make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment opportunity. HACU will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition including genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identification and expression, sexual orientation, and will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are offered employment and employees are treated during employment without regard to these characteristics. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 210-576-3216 or via email at jobs@hacu.net.

For HACU's full Equal Opportunity Policy Statement, click here.

ADA STATEMENT

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the HACU will provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed during the application process, please email jobs@hacu.net. For more information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, click here.

PI9713abb3667c-25401-34194475