Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies & Research

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research will contribute to the creation of a centralized infrastructure for graduate studies and research. This position will be responsible for policy development, the promotion of academic innovation and excellence, and program development in conjunction with the Division of Academic Affairs, the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research will also work with the Director of the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects to align graduate research with the strategic plan of the university while supporting student success.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Development - 30

• Conceptualize a strategic vision for Graduate Studies and Research.
• Champion GCSU's growing research mission.
• Translate the vision of the university into grants and contracts activities in applied and basic research, community and economic development, and various contractual training projects in a number of disciplines.
• Strengthen research infrastructure and build capacity.
• Develop, refine, and enforce policies that support and enhance graduate student success, promote academic excellence, and provide student research experiences.
• Advocate for graduate education and research priorities.
• Collaborate with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to forge partnerships which advance the mission of the university.
• Coordinate and/or serve on relevant governance teams, boards, councils, and committees.

Program Development and Oversight - 20

• Oversee review of proposal for new, modified, or discontinued graduate academic curricula and programs by authorized campus bodies and individuals.
• Assure the quality of graduate programs and credentials through the development and implementation of academic policies and assessment tools.
• Overview timely review of academic probation/disqualification for graduate students and intervention strategies to maximize student success.
• Foster curriculum development and assessment of graduate program reviews.
• Collaborate with deans, chairs, and directors on the evaluation processes of thesis/dissertation and evaluation processes for all graduate students.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, University System of Georgia (USG), and university policies governing graduate study.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified graduate students.
• Advance opportunities and support for faculty, student, and university community engagement in research, scholarly investigations, and creative activities.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, USG, and university policies governing university-sponsored research, including protection of human subjects, animal welfare, intellectual property, export control, conflict of interest, and misconduct in research.
• Assume institutional responsibility for federal compliance and assurances issues of items such as financial conflicts of interest, Human Subjects Research Protection, Animal Care and Use, radiation and biohazards safety, research ethics, agency-required student and staff training, and export control.
• Collaborate with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to promote programming for adult learners.

Staff Management - 15

• Ensure timely review of proposals for external funding and advise the Associate Provost concerning approval.
• Support the ongoing development of staff including evaluations, provision of constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities.

Financial Management & Resource Development - 15

• Support the technological infrastructure, equipment, and facilities needed for effective program development and delivery, including developing labs and experiential learning spaces.
• Identify funding sources to support faculty, student, and university community engagement in research, scholarly investigations, and creative activities.
• Participate in negotiations on cost-share, matching funds, in-kind, and facilities requirements of funding proposals.
• Ensure proper documentation and budgeting for proposals, ensuring compliance and alignment with sponsor requirements, etc.
• Collaborate with Office of Budget and Finance to ensure internal pre-award and post-award policy compliance.

Relationship Building & Communication - 15

• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and external partners to promote graduate education through curriculum development, research initiatives, and funding opportunities.
• Maintain and strengthen key strategic partnerships and community relationships.
• Collaborate with colleges, schools, units, and divisions to foster interdisciplinary, trans-disciplinary, and transformative research.
• Network to maintain and build relationships with campus collaborators including faculty, staff, students, pre-award, post-award, and the Associate Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• Communicate effectively through appropriate outlets such as social media to advance Graduate Studies and the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects.
• Recognize and celebrate outstanding student and faculty scholarship and creativity through awards programs, research forums and conferences, and publications.

Other - 5

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

A terminal degree and the appropriate academic credentials, including substantial evidence of research and scholarly activity to qualify for faculty status at the level of Full Professor in one of the colleges within the division of Academic Affairs

Other Required Qualifications

• An understanding of current trends in higher education and experience with innovation in undergraduate and graduate research particularly in a liberal arts setting
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Required Experience

• A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure
• A strong record of progressively responsible and relevant university leadership experience
• A minimum of five years of relevant academic leadership experience
• Experience with program planning, direction, and coordination
• Success in obtaining external funding as appropriate to their academic field and serving as the Principal Investigator for external grants
• Experience in staff evaluation and supervision
• Experience in mentoring and working with graduate students
• Experience in administration and budgeting

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

• Experience with and knowledge of accreditation standards and processes.

Proposed Salary

This position is a pay grade 13. The available salary range is $105,000.00 to $125,000.00. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about GCSU compensation practices, click here: https://www.gcsu.edu/humanresources/pay-grade-structure.

Relocation is negotiable.

Required Documents to Attach

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• List of References
• Transcripts

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Lead complex academic organization.
• Translate institutional goals into actionable strategies.
• Make sound decisions regarding resources, programs and personnel
• Build consensus among stakeholders.
• Advocate effectively for college needs and priorities.
• Foster high-quality graduate education and research.
• Embrace new ideas, research collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Navigate complex organizational structures.
• Analyze complex data and trends.
• Balance competing priorities and demands.
• Foster innovation while maintaining academic excellence.
• Adapt leadership approach to different situations.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Manage day-to-day operations strategically.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of graduate education structures, program assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Understanding of federal, state, and institutional policies regarding graduate education and research.
• Knowledge of lab and experiential learning space development, as well as research technology needs.
• Expertise in grant writing, proposal development, compliance, budgeting, and funding allocation.
• Deep understanding of academic program development and assessment.
• Understanding of budget management and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with fundraising and advancement strategies.
• Understanding of current trends in higher education.
• Knowledge of professional development and evaluation processes.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and requirements.

SKILLS

• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Academic leadership and program development.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Personnel management and performance evaluation.
• Grant writing and external funding acquisition.
• Relationship building with internal/external stakeholders.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Social media and digital communication proficiency.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Change management.
• Conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Strong attention to legal, ethical, and institutional regulations governing graduate education and research.

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Criminal Background Check
• Education Verification

Special Applicant Instructions

AVP role is for in-person employment; no virtual, remote, or hybrid options available.