Director of Research & Sponsored Programs
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834
Position Details
Classification Information
Position Classification Title |
Dir Sponsored Prog/Resch |
FLSA |
Exempt |
Position Class |
81382 |
Position Overview
Position Summary |
WSSU is a premier institution of higher education, recognized for its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and societal impact. With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative academic environment, the university is a leader in driving groundbreaking research that addresses critical global challenges. The Office of Research & Innovation is seeking a Director for Research & Sponsored Programs as part of expanding research capacity and overall research funding.
Position Overview The Director for Research & Sponsored Programs (
DRSP) will play a pivotal role in advancing the university's research mission by supporting the strategic growth, administration, and innovation of its research enterprise. Reporting to the Associate Provost for Research & Innovation, this role will provide leadership to enhance research funding, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensure compliance with research policies and regulatory standards.
The
DRSP will work closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to expand the university's research portfolio, enhance institutional visibility, and support impactful research outcomes.
Strategic Research Leadership
:
- Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for advancing the university's research agenda and increasing its research competitiveness.
- Promote interdisciplinary research collaborations across departments, colleges, and external organizations.
- Identify and support opportunities for emerging research areas aligned with institutional priorities.
Research Development and Funding
:
- Collaborate with faculty to secure external funding from federal, state, and private sources.
- Develop initiatives and workshops to support grant writing, research proposal development, and funding acquisition.
- Partner with research centers and institutes to foster innovation and expand funding opportunities.
Compliance and Research Integrity
:
- Oversee research compliance, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, including IRB, IACUC, and research safety protocols (aka IBC).
- Promote a culture of research integrity, ethical conduct, and responsible scholarship.
- Assist in developing and enforcing policies that support transparent, high-quality research practices.
Faculty and Investigator Support
:
- Provide leadership and mentorship to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research activities.
- Lead initiatives to enhance professional development and foster a supportive research environment for faculty and early-career investigators.
- Collaborate with academic units to recruit and retain top research talent.
Operational Oversight
:
- Assist in managing research infrastructure, resources, and administrative operations to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
- Support the development of technology transfer, commercialization, and intellectual property initiatives.
- Lead efforts to analyze and report research performance metrics to inform decision-making and strategic planning.
Partnerships and External Engagement
:
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with industry, government agencies, and research collaborators to advance institutional research goals.
- Represent the university's research enterprise at regional, national, and international forums.
- Support outreach initiatives that highlight the impact of university research on local and global communities.
Education
- A doctorate (Ph.D.) or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.
Experience
- A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in research leadership, academic administration, and/or research development.
- Demonstrated success in securing and managing external research funding.
- Experience with research compliance, policies, and regulatory frameworks, including federal and state guidelines.
- Proven ability to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations and partnerships.
- Experience as a teaching and research faculty member, including having applied for and managed research funding as a principal investigator.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong strategic planning, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to promoting research integrity, fairness, and access in research environments.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven decision-making approach.
- Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and teams effectively.
Compensation and Benefits
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, will be provided. The position also includes opportunities for professional growth and access to world-class research resources.
Candidates are encouraged to submit the following:
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting leadership experience, research accomplishments, and administrative achievements.
- A cover letter outlining their vision for supporting and advancing the university's research enterprise.
- Contact information, including email and phone number, for three professional references.
|
Position Information
Position Number |
000184 |
Working Position Title |
Director of Research & Sponsored Programs |
Building and Room No. |
Anderson, C125 |
Appointment Type |
Permanent Full-Time |
If Time Limited. |
No |
Appointment Length. |
12 |
Requirements and Preferences
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies |
Not Mandatory |
Normal Work Schedule |
M-F 8:00AM to 5:00PM |
Department Required Skills |
- Master's degree in relevant field (doctorate preferred)
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in research-related activities
- Demonstrated experience with research administration (i.e., applying for grants, managing funding, compliance, etc.)
- Capacity to work with diverse groups of people in a research setting
- Experience as a faculty member at the college/university level
- Strong management, supervisory, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Proven ability to oversee and work as part of multifunctional team
|
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education |
Education
- A doctorate (Ph.D.) or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field.
Experience
- A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in research leadership, academic administration, and/or research development.
- Demonstrated success in securing and managing external research funding.
- Experience with research compliance, policies, and regulatory frameworks, including federal and state guidelines.
- Proven ability to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations and partnerships.
- Experience as a teaching and research faculty member, including having applied for and managed research funding as a principal investigator.
Skills and Attributes
- Strong strategic planning, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to promoting research integrity, fairness, and access in research environments.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven decision-making approach.
- Ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and teams effectively.
|
Required License or Certification |
None |
Valid US Driver's License |
Yes |
Commercial Driver's License Required |
No |
Physical Required |
No |
List any other medical/drug tests required |
|
Posting Details
Posting Details
Internal Posting Only |
No |
Time Limited Position |
No |
Appointment Length |
12 months |
Salary |
Salary commensurate with education and experience |
Open Date |
06/23/2025 |
Close Date |
08/04/2025 |
Open Until Filled |
No |
Special Instructions Summary |
Please Note: A criminal background check will be conducted on candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and T&E requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be competed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.
Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.
Your application for the position will not be complete until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at
OHR@wssu.edu. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834 |
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Public Job Posting
- Internal Job Posting
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Website
- Other
Applicant Document
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- References List
Optional Documents
- Transcripts
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
- Unofficial Transcript
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