Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Research Services Administrator (on-site or hybrid)

Classification: Exempt, benefitted

FTE: Full-time (37.5 per week)

Work Hours: 8:00-4:30 PT (hours may vary)

Department/Division: Academic Commons

Supervisor: Director, Academic Commons

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer paid and employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

2. POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Services Administrator (RSA) plays a pivotal role in providing operational and administrative support to ensure the smooth execution of research projects and initiatives. The RSA serves as the Research Lead for the Academic Commons, which comprises library, research, and teaching and learning services at the university. This role focuses on managing research administration processes, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, facilitating funding applications, coordinating with stakeholders (faculty and students), and supporting research teams throughout the lifecycle of projects. The administrator will also act as a liaison between researchers and other relevant departments within the university and The Community Solution Education System. Since the position functions within the Academic Commons—an integrated knowledge services department at the university—experience with library services, teaching and learning supports, and instructional design is desired.

3. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

# of employees this position supervises: 2

Job titles of employees supervised: Research Student Worker

Key collaborators:

College deans, program directors
Students, faculty
Other members of the Academic Commons team
Grants and Compliance team, The Community Solution Education System
Research Development Committee

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Development Support

Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and seminars for researchers on grant writing, compliance, and research management.
In collaboration with the university’s Research Development Committee, develop, nurture, and strengthen the multidisciplinary and community-based research on the UWS campus.
Encourage the development of research capabilities of faculty who indicate an interest in pursuing research.
Support student researchers with information on resources and tools to advance their projects.
Review, edit and provide feedback on content and publication requirements for research and scholarship manuscript.
Assist and support faculty, as appropriate, to design instruments to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, as well as to present and summarize findings.
Chair and offer guidance to the university’s faculty-led Research Development Committee.
Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create effective forecasting and decision aides.
Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.

Leadership

Build the research reputation of the university.
Advance the research culture at the university.
Represent the university and its research and professional interests to other colleges and universities, professional organizations, foundations, businesses, and government agencies.
Inspire the vision and guide the direction of the research and sponsored programs department.
Prepare research reports, including evaluative reports of the impact, effectiveness and productivity of the university research program, as required.
Assist the policy committee in the formulation and regular review of university research policy.
Enforce university research policy as needed. Review the research and sponsored programs website and update as needed.

Grant and Funding Support:

Assist researchers with the preparation, submission, and management of grant applications, ensuring adherence to deadlines and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
Track and manage grant proposals, awards, and reporting requirements.
Provide guidance on funding opportunities and budget preparation. Initiate and manage subcontract and independent contract agreements, running contracts through university approval procedures.
Conduct inventory of equipment, materials, or supplies as per funding agency requirements or university policy.

Supervision

Direct the activities of the Academic Commons–Research student workers.
Support professional development of student workers’ skills for research services.
Develop training and workplace practices documentation for the research student workers.

Other duties as assigned.

5. UWS CORE VALUES

Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.

Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.

Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.

Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.

Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.

Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.

6. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Training

Minimum: Masters degree with 2+ years experience in research administration

Preferred: Terminal degree in relevant field with 2+ years in research administration

Certifications & Licenses

CITI (within 30 days of hire);
Not required but preferred: Certified Research Administrator designation (or willingness to pursue certification)

Experience

A strong understanding of new and developing trends in higher education, information technology, artificial intelligence in research, evidence-informed practice (EIP), and scholarly communication.
Evidence of experience with research design development, and expertise in an area of research methods.
Evidence of scholarly achievement such as publications or presentations.
Experience with the sponsored programs/project and research administration enterprise.
Experience writing and managing grants (research or other); experience in implementing grants and completing compliance requirements.
Experience with research ethics and Institutional Review Board processes.
Experience with research software platforms.
Evidence of experience with library services, teaching & learning support, and instructional design, not required but preferred.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Self-sufficiency in the management of personal schedule.
Proficient in document/report preparation adhering to institutional editorial guidelines.
Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills required (MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional).
Proficiency with video conferencing systems.
Working understanding and experience with learning management systems.

Other Qualifications

Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication.
Demonstrated commitment to collegiality and shared governance.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/execute plans and resource management to achieve desired outcomes.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in decision making.
Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes.
Willingness and ability to follow direction from administrators as consistent with university policy.
Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.

7. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS:

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a cover letter and resume.

University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.