"Vice President for University Research"

Vice President for University Research

Company: University of the District of Columbia

Job Location: Washington, 20008

Category: Administrative Vice Presidents

Type: Full-Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/1

Salary Range: $225,266

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Vice President for University Research (VPUR) will lead the reenvisioning of research at UDC. Empowered with oversight of the university's entire research portfolio, the VPUR is responsible for directing strategic priorities and approving the submission of major research proposals. This includes working closely with cabinet-level colleagues to drive business development, strategic planning, and resource acquisition-advancing visibility and propelling the university toward R2: High Research Activity classification.

The VPUR is responsible for a broad range of key administrative duties that ensure the smooth and compliant operation of the university's research enterprise. The VPUR will supervise both the Director of Sponsored Programs and the Director of University Compliance and provide oversight for the University Research Committee. In this role, the VPUR preserves the integrity of research activities by enforcing adherence to university, District, and federal policies and regulations. The VPUR prepares essential documents and reports related to university research, facilitating communication with the President, Board of Trustees, and both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the VPUR develops comprehensive annual plans, budgets, and assessment reports for the Office of University Research, ensuring that strategic goals and operational requirements are met with excellence. The VPUR will identify and fortify opportunities to seamlessly integrate research operations with key university functions-Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Procurement, Advancement, Finance, Sponsored Programs, and Intellectual Property-ensuring synergy and efficiency across all departments. In collaboration with the Office of Government Relations, the role advocates for expanded investment and support for research and innovation, while developing forward-thinking policies aimed at increasing faculty support, enhancing Research Centers, and maximizing the impact of Land Grant and Title III funds. The VPUR will play a pivotal role in building bridges and nurturing strategic relationships with communities, national laboratories, industry, non-profits, government, and other academic institutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Foster an environment where stakeholders attract funding to support and expand faculty and student research opportunities.
• Develop and scale faculty-student collaborative research programs that align with UDC's academic success hub, promoting experiential learning and embedding research competencies across degree pathways and lifelong learning initiatives; and support advising and career readiness.
• Leverage UDC assets and relationships that impact the research, land-grant, workforce development, and P-12 continuum to meet the needs of the District and beyond.
• Provide leadership and implement a vision for strengthening and expanding the research enterprise consistent with the land-grant mission and strategic plan; and drive collaboration, identification, and development of emerging research opportunities.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for expanding physical and digital research infrastructure- including high-quality laboratories, shared research facilities, and secure data management systems- to support scaled, multidisciplinary research activity.
• Lead efforts to effectively organize and identify funding for interdisciplinary, campus-wide research.
• Provide an encouraging environment and support for faculty in seeking extramural funding and pursuing excellence in grant administration after a successful award.
• Provide oversight for the development and implementation of University research goals, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Align major research to promote innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives and commercialization across the university and increase licensing of UDC intellectual property and patents. Support patent applications and assist in establishing licensing agreements.
• Develop formal relationships and meet annually with federal and district agency officials who fund sponsored programs. Advocate for and cultivate relationships with major public and private funding agencies to increase research dollars allocated to the university.
• Plan and oversee the execution of the University Research Compliance function, understanding the importance of compliance and regulatory matters.
• Promote UDC's existing high-potential Centers for Excellence as a resource for attracting increased external funding and partnerships.
• Facilitate expansion and increased extramural funding for new high-demand research areas such as AI and quantum computing/literacy.
• Oversee the planning and execution of UDC's annual Research Week, including coordination with expert guest speakers, community engagement, and the showcasing of faculty and student research across the entire university.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Five or more years of experience conducting funded research projects.
• Five or more years managing sponsored program functions/research funding.
• Extensive knowledge about research funding/sponsored program processes at government agencies, foundations.
• Extensive management/supervisory leadership experience and substantive knowledge of higher education issues.