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Director, UGA Research Institute

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

Athens, GA, USA
Posted on Apr 11, 2025
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Posting Details

Posting Details
Posting Number F2064P
Working Title Director, UGA Research Institute
Department VPR-VP Office Research Admin
About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The University of Georgia (www.uga.edu) is a land grant and sea grant institution located in Athens, Georgia, 90 miles northeast of Atlanta. Known for its vibrant cultural and arts scene, as well as its rich history, Athens offers a high quality of life with a variety of outdoor, urban, and cultural activities (www.visitathensga.com).
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type Employee
Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Anticipated Start Date 03/01/2025
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date 08/12/2024
Job Closing Date
Open until filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested candidates should submit a comprehensive CV, a cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. For full consideration, applications must be received by September 25, 2024.

Any questions regarding the position can be directed to: Shelly Terrazas, Director of Finance and Human Resources, Office of Research, at shelly.terrazas@uga.edu.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information
Classification Title Director, College/Division/School AC
FLSA
Faculty Rank Administrative Faculty
Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications
A terminal degree in a relevant field is required.
Position Summary
As the research capacity of UGA continues to grow, UGA will increasingly have opportunities to partner with federal mission agencies and industry in applied and fundamental research, including in new use-inspired work that achieves specific mission objectives for these organizations. The University of Georgia Research Institute’s (UGARI) purpose is to improve UGA’s ability to take advantage of these opportunities to deliver effectively on new and existing partnerships with mission organizations in applied research and in so doing broaden and accelerate further growth of UGA’s research enterprise. The Director of the UGA Research Institute (UGARI) will be responsible for the strategic vision of the institute, including activities in funding development, project capture and execution, staffing, resource allocation, fostering relationships with mission-driven agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), and other entities in the global security sector, and advocacy for university investment in infrastructure to support secure research and information resources. Particular emphasis is expected in the area of funding acquisition and administrative support for faculty pursuing research activities with mission driven agencies such as the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and other funding entities in the global security sector and associated industries. The Director will coordinate with the UGARI Steering Committee to address acquisition and allocation of internal UGA resources, strategies to pursue external funding resources, UGARI affiliated faculty, and equipment and infrastructure needs at UGA to support research for mission driven agencies, as well as potential growth opportunities for the Institute. The director will report to the UGA Vice President for Research and will directly engage within the Office of Research to ensure that business and research services are in place at UGA to facilitate and support faculty research with mission driven agencies. Such engagement with the Office of Research is expected to include, Sponsored Programs, Institutional Animal Care and Use, Institutional Biosafety, Human Resources, Export Control and Research Security, Research Infrastructure, Core Research Facilities, and UGA Centers and Institutes. The Director also will be expected to engage with College, School, and Department unit heads across the UGA campus to increase awareness and ensure the success of UGARI’s mission and services in the areas of funding development as well as business and research services support for projects involving mission driven agencies. This position currently supervises two Associate Directors, one Program Manager, and shared administrative support personnel within the UGA Office of Research. It is expected that the UGARI Director will guide, support, and facilitate UGARI Associate Director efforts to engage potential funding agencies across a diversity of mission driven agencies. This position is contingent on the availability of programmatic funding.
Additional Requirements
  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in securing funding and managing research initiatives in the U.S. defense and global security sectors.
  • Required Skills:
    • Ability to obtain or currently hold a DoD Top-Secret or DOE Q Clearance.
    • Proven track record in project and budget management, particularly with projects funded by defense and global security sectors.
    • Experience in integrating research security and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements into academic environments.
    • Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
    • Expertise in the federal budgetary process and its application to research funding
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Currently holds or can obtain a DoD Top-Secret or DOE Q Clearance.
  • 5+ year experience with funding opportunities and research needs in the US defense and global security sectors that are appropriate for UGA faculty expertise
  • Ability to facilitate funding for faculty to conduct research and workforce development activities for federal agencies supporting the US global security mission.
  • 5+ year experience with project and budget management skills needed to successfully plan and execute work scope for projects funded by the Department of Defense and US agencies engaged in global security missions
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively manage technical and project/program management personnel.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the federal budgetary process and experience in its use for development of funding for research priorities within the US defense and global security sectors.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with consultants to identify research needs that can be addressed by faculty expertise and assist with efforts to create white papers for securing Department of Defense program support or plus-up support for meeting such needs within the federal budgetary process.
  • 5+ year experience with the successful integration of research security and CUI requirements into academic environments for accomplishing research and workforce development goals associated with funding from the Department of Defense and US agencies with global security missions.
  • Demonstrated experience with the building of academic partnerships with industries in the defense and global security sectors for the purpose of funding acquisition, research collaboration, and workforce development.
Physical Demands
  • Travel in state, out of state, and internationally, if necessary
  • Work evenings and weekends as necessary
  • Work in a standard office environment and with standard office equipment
  • Sit and work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time
  • Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
  • Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
  • Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
  • Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
  • Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb
  • Driving to perform job related duties
Is this a Position of Trust? Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Duties/Responsibilities
Funding Development
  • Conducts monthly review of potential funding opportunities that might be appropriate for UGA faculty to pursue as related to mission driven agencies in the DOE and Global Security Sectors.
  • Travels to Washington, DC (or other locations) as needed to support discussions between UGARI Assoc/Asst Directors and funding agencies or congressional staffers about potential research ideas that would support UGA faculty research efforts and develops relationships with staff from potential funders to educate on and advocate for UGA research capabilities.
  • Works with UGARI Program Manager for Project Capture and Execution to improve or address business services and university policies that advance or impede the ability of UGA faculty to successfully work with funding frommission driven agencies in the DOE and Global Security sectors.
  • Works with UGA leadership to develop sustainable models for cost-sharing,internal funding, and indirect cost return to UGARI to support current and future UGARI activities and staff.
  • Engages with Command Strategies and other pertinent contractingorganizations to UGA to facilitate and support funding initiatives for faculty atUGA with mission driven agencies.
  • Develops and leads strategic initiatives to strengthen or expand UGARI asopportunities arise to do so with the approval and assistance of the UGARISteering Committee.
  • Works closely with the UGA Office of Governmental Relations to developfunding for UGARI efforts.
Percentage Of Time 40
Duties/Responsibilities
Coordination
  • Serves as direct liaison between UGARI and all university administrators (Deans, Dept. Heads) who supervise faculty performing UGARI relatedresearch, education, or outreach activities.
  • Serves as direct liaison between UGARI and all university administrators(Directors, Business Support, Sponsored Programs, Human Resources,Facilities) who engage with UGARI Project Capture and Execution Team andactive UGARI related research functions.
  • Works with UGARI Technical Research Staff in negotiations with academicunits for access to research space and determinations of IDC return fromTechnical Research Staff on UGARI led research activity.
  • Represents UGARI as required at workshops and other collaborative eventswith sponsors and collaborators associated with UGARI related researchfunding and activities.
  • Engages with the Battel Savannah River Alliance to facilitate and supportcollaborative research with the Savannah River National Laboratory and itspartner universities.
  • Creates and/or serves on committees needed to address ad hoc strategic,budgetary, or infrastructure needs of UGARI.
Percentage Of Time 30
Duties/Responsibilities
Supervision
  • Serves as direct supervisor for all UGARI Assoc/Asst Directors, Program Managers, and Technical Research Staff, including development andoversight of Position Descriptions, annual and semi-annual performancereviews, and any HR related activities associated with these positions.
  • Oversees weekly meetings with UGARI Assoc/Asst Directors (and staff asappropriate) to remain current on emerging funding opportunities in missiondriven agency sectors, engagement of UGA faculty for development ofcollaborative proposals, allocation of UGARI resources in support of graduateand undergraduate research, coordination with UGA leadership and faculty on
    assignment of secure space and utilization of infrastructure to supporthandling of secure and CUI data, strategic planning for UGARI engagement ofmission driven agencies in DOE and Global Security sectors, and otherrelated topics of concern to UGARI.
Percentage Of Time 15
Duties/Responsibilities
Administration
  • Organizes and schedules quarterly meetings with the UGARI Steering Committee to provide updates on UGARI activities to the Committee and toseek advice and approvals related to proposed UGARI research, education,or outreach activities, resources, and infrastructure needs.
  • Participates in monthly meetings with UGARI administrative staff to discussUGARI budgetary revenues and expenditures as well as anticipated supportneeds for UGARI Director, Assoc/Asst Directors, and Program Manager(s).
  • Attends monthly meetings with UGA Office Of Research Vice President ordesignated Associate Vice Presidents to provide updates on UGARI activitiesand to request support from Office or VP for Research as needed.
  • Organizes annual retreat for UGARI staff and UGA faculty, staff, graduatestudents and postdocs participating in UGARI related research, education, oroutreach activities.
  • Works with UGARI staff to collect information and create summary statisticsnecessary to prepare and edit UGARI annual report to UGARI SteeringCommittee.
Percentage Of Time 15

Posting Specific Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
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