Reporting to the Provost, the Associate Provost for Research and Engagement leads the University's efforts to direct, expand and guide research, scholarship and creative endeavors. This officer is responsible for overseeing research compliance entities, policies, procedures and educational programs that support research and related activities, including aligning the office's goals with the University's strategic priorities. This Associate Provost, in collaboration with the academic deans and the grant office, encourages the development and implementation of high-quality research initiatives and establishes and maintains a culture of responsible conduct of research among faculty, students and staff, provides strategic support during the process of grant application and promotes adherence to all governmental, university and sponsoring agency regulations during the research process including compliance with all SACSCOC and other applicable accrediting bodies. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:
Strategic Leadership
- Plans, organizes and supports the overall research and scholarship efforts of the University's faculty and students.
- Develops and implements a strategic plan to support and advance the research enterprise that aligns with the university's overall mission. The plan will include development of research strategic priorities aimed at stimulating faculty and student interest in research, expanding opportunities and strengthening the research infrastructure at Converse including organization, governance and administration.
- Provides strategic management of internal and external research partnerships, represents Converse at national conferences.
- Overseas and coaches a team of research support staff while also supervising research staff including the Administrative Assistant to Research Administration.
Promotion and Recognition
- Encourages the development and implementation of high-quality research initiatives.
- Promotes and fosters internal and external collaborations to enhance research and scholarly experiences of faculty and students.
- Develops opportunities and coordinates the engagement of students in mentored research experiences.
- Oversees faculty development activities related to research and scholarly excellence.
- Supports Admissions in the development of a proactive recruitment strategy that highlights on campus opportunities for research and scholarly activities.
- Provides support to faculty, staff and students to increase the visibility of their research and scholarly activities to a wide range of audiences (including public) via promoting outputs, including but not limited to publication of books and journal articles, participation in editorial memberships, professional leaderships, seminars and workshops.
- Oversees the planning, organizing and execution of research symposium and other opportunities to showcase Converse research activity.
- Collaborates with the standing committees in recognition of scholarly effort. Nominates faculty, staff, students, and alumni for appropriate external awards in recognition of their academic and scholarly accomplishments.
- Provides oversight for data collection and management as it relates to research and scholarly activity. Prepares an annual report on the research and scholarly accomplishment activities to be presented to the President and other audiences as appropriate.
Grants and Funds Management
In coordination with the Director of Institutional Grants:
- Provides oversight for the internal and external academic grant application processes; develops competitive grant proposals and opportunities that align with academic and research priorities;
- Reviews applications for internal research funding opportunities as well as limited submission opportunities;
- Assists Principal Investigator in obtaining appropriate internal approvals and support letters and assures that proposals meet regulatory rules and policy from the sponsoring agency and university; and
- In collaboration with the VP of Finance and Business, oversees the distribution of F&A funds, budget development and post-award reporting requirements.
Research Regulations and Compliance
- Establishes and maintains a culture of responsible conduct of research among faculty, students, and staff, promoting adherence to all governmental, university, and sponsoring agency regulations during the research process.
- Supports the research compliance entities in monitoring efforts related to research and reports instances of noncompliance to the appropriate compliance officer and or administrator and assists Principal Investigator to take immediate and appropriate corrective actions and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
- Supports SACSCOC reporting and documentation requirements.