Interim Associate Director of Research

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$100,000–$110,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Competitive Research, Conferences, Data Collection, Ecosystems, Federal Grants, Federal Laws and Regulations, Fishing, Funding, Grant Administration/Management, Leadership, Literacy, Mentoring, Needs Assessment, Network Administration/Management, Non-Profit Funding, Operations, Operations Research, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Performance Reviews, Process Management, Program Evaluation, Progress Reports, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Request for Proposals (RFP), Research Administration, Social Media, Software Administration, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Systems Maintenance, Time Management
LOCATION
Gainesville, FL
POSTED
Today
This position – the Florida Sea Grant (FSG) Interim Associate Director of Research (ADR) – will work closely with the current ADR in a leadership capacity to learn and incrementally assume the essential functions of the job in management and oversight of the research-related activities of FSG’s portfolio. The portfolio includes projects that address four long-standing focus areas: (1) Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, (2) Resilient Communities and Economies, (3) Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, and (4) Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. This position provides strategic leadership in aligning research with identified needs per the strategic plan and manages the full grant lifecycle of the competitive research process per compliance with NOAA/Sea Grant guidance. The ADR also oversees and contributes to the development and submission of the research components of the omnibus proposal, regular project updates, and annual and final federal reports to the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO). The position is expected to foster and support program growth and relevance by pursuing regional initiatives, collaborations, partnerships, and extramural funding, and by assisting the director in representing the program both internally and externally. As a member of the senior leadership team, the ADR assists in the development and implementation of the strategic plan, focusing on integrating core functions and disseminating research outcomes and impacts to increase the program's visibility. This position is expected to assume full ADR responsibilities in April 2028.

 

Classification Title:

ASO DIR, Research Administration

Classification Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of experience.

Job Description: 

Lead and manage the research portfolio of the FSG program (35%)

  • Ensure that research processes, programs, and activities comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
  • Lead and manage the design and implementation of pre-award research program functions from developing the request for proposals through advertisement and evaluation of applications; selection of applications for funding; obtaining NSGO concurrence, and helping finalize awards.
  • Manage and substantially contribute to the design and implementation of post-award research functions involving monitoring and reporting on project progress and performance.
  • Serve as the liaison between FSG and funded research teams, including in the dissemination of project progress, outcomes and impacts.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the research program, including supervision, guidance, and evaluation of research program staff, including the Research Coordinator II position (00039392).

Coordinate and ensure FSG’s federal reporting is accurate and timely (25%)

  • Manage processes for collecting information from coordinators, Extension faculty and staff, and research affiliates.
  • Review and summarize collected information and data, and liaise with senior leadership team regarding reporting of integrated programs.
  • Coordinate data synthesis and annual reporting into the National Sea Grant PIER database.
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of data systems (e.g., InfoReady) for project and activity tracking, consistent with National Sea Grant PIER reporting metrics and performance measures (via supervisee). 
  • Ensure that NOAA’s project management information for all projects is submitted in a timely manner through eRA Commons (via supervisee).

Foster growth and relevancy of FSG’s research program (20%)

  • Pursue regional initiatives within the Sea Grant network, including within the South Atlantic, Gulf of America, and among the islands (i.e., Caribbean and Pacific).
  • Respond to NSGO funding initiatives by assembling teams and submitting proposals to obtain supplemental funds to support the program, including those involving internal and external collaborators.
  • Explore opportunities for new partnerships and to secure extramural funding with non-profits, special taxing districts, and public-sector agencies.
  • Collaborate with the ASO DIR, Extension and Education to foster integration of research and Extension programming.
  • Maintain a network of Campus Coordinators to recruit expertise and strengthen relationships among FSG, faculty, and students around the state, and identify timely research needs.

Serve as a member of FSG’s senior leadership team (15%)

  • Assist in the development of the strategic plan, omnibus proposal, and site review process in accordance with the National Sea Grant Office (NSGO).
  • Participate in the Sea Grant Association, including serving as delegate, representing FSG in the Research Coordinator’s Network, and contributing to FSG’s congressional relations activities.
  • Contribute to the management operations including staff and advisory committee meetings, application reviews, and updating research information for the website and social media.
  • Brainstorm novel, creative, and efficient programming and processes that lead to recognition from NSGO, collaborators and partners.

 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB AND THE PERCENTAGE OF TIME SPENT ON EACH FUNCTION

Other duties as assigned (5%)

 

SUPERVISION

The ASO DIR, Research Administration (ADR) position requires a self-starting, organized individual who can understand policy and apply it to daily operations under tight deadlines. Direction is general, with conferences held on an as-needed basis.

The ADR will have permanent supervisory responsibility for the Research Coordinator II position (00039392). This involves assigning duties, managing workload, mentoring, and evaluating the individual in that position with respect to FSGs research portfolio and interfacing with federal grants management systems. The ADR also supervises several Research Coordinator positions associated with time-limited grants and contracts for which they serve as PI.

 

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE.

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Additional time may be required to meet deadlines. Travel and work will occur on some weekends and evenings.

Expected Salary:

$100,000 - 110,000

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and four years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of experience.

Preferred
  • Three years of experience in a similar administrative position or a PhD.
  • Experience working for the National Sea Grant Office or another National Sea Grant College Program.
  • Scholarly activity in a field of study related to ocean or coastal issues.
  • Knowledge of Florida’s marine and coastal resources.
  • Experience with the National Sea Grant PIER reporting system, especially generating economic benefits and program highlights stories.
  • Working knowledge of the National Sea Grant Program policy and guidelines for competitive and non-competitive research program administration.
  • Success in securing extramural funding through grants and contracts.
Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume, and three references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end  and list date.

Health Assessment Required:No

 

About the Company

U

University of Florida