Postion Summary The Special Assistant to the Vice President (SAVP) for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice (including research and sponsored programs) will provide leadership for the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and plays an important role in the design, establishment of priorities, and the implementation of the College's varied research administration systems, by ensuring compliance with all applicable institutional, sponsor and regulatory requirements, and by leading, coordinating and convening cross-departmental activities. OSP serves as the administrative unit that oversees the administration and compliance functions associated with securing and managing non-private funds solicited by and awarded to Tougaloo College including federal and state grants supporting faculty research, workforce, economic and community development. The OSP is responsible for research finance, pre-award services for the institution area, cost analysis, and compliance. Experience/Qualifications Reporting to and in close consultation with the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice, SAVP plays a leading role in setting the strategic direction, policies, training, and guidance for the College's research administration functions. The SAVP is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day activities of OSP; which currently includes supervision of OSP employees and staff engagement. A primary responsibility is oversight of the operations necessary to support faculty with the administrative and compliance aspects of securing and managing non- private grants and contracts throughout the lifecycle of awards, from proposal review and submission through award close- out. This includes oversight of audits of the College's research programs, reporting on the portfolio of research activities, representing the College on research compliance matters with sponsors and oversight bodies, creating and maintaining training programs for staff, and assisting with faculty training. Additionally, the SAVP, in partnership with other key stakeholders, plays an active role in monitoring the regulatory landscape and identifying changes to regulations and policies from sponsors and regulatory agencies; assesses their impact on the institution; works with the stakeholders to provide feedback to agency requests; and proactively engages internal stakeholders to review the impact and any changes needed to meet the forthcoming changes. Responsibilities for these areas include but are not limited to: * Ensure proper stewardship of non-private sponsored funding and ensure accurate financial and compliance reporting of research activities to key stakeholders. * Closely coordinate with the Division of Institutional Advancement on both pre-award and post-award aspects of private funding. * Serve as a senior-level stakeholder for systems implementations impacting the overall College's research administration community, advocating, and communicating the strategy and vision for technology projects and their importance for optimal business operations across the entire college. * In close consultation with the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice, responsible for the overall strategic direction of OSP. * Responsible for ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, sponsor terms, and College policies through collaboration and partnership with the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice, faculty, and departments. * Responsible for working on the development and implementation of a coordinated strategy to ensure consistency on implementation of policy, systems, training, and operational matters. * Provide analytical support through reporting and data collection to clients. * Oversee the design and implementation of training programs for staff members, faculty, and other researchers. * Review trends in research funding and key metrics with to help inform research strategy and support for the College. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Basic Qualifications: The SAVP will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and have a minimum of 5 years' direct experience in research administration, programs, or other finance related fields. Demonstrated success in senior management position and experience in a complex, multi-dimensional organization required. Incumbent will be a recognized leader in the field with a proven track record of high-level strategic thinking, problem solving, and negotiations. Additional Qualifications and Skills: Advanced degree in law, business, social sciences, or another related field preferred. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success in working well with all levels within a college/university or similar setting. Ability to collaborate and work in a team-oriented environment. Sound judgment and negotiation skills and strong research regulatory knowledge. Demonstrated success in practical client-based situations, training, grants and contracts administration, accounting, and finance. Demonstrated capacity to learn key functions of grants management systems quickly. Strong business problem-solving, communications, and project management skills. Behavioral Skills: * Must exhibit exceptional leadership qualities including the ability to make sound judgments with respect to compliance requirements and risk management, coupled with strong organizational skills, performance management of direct and indirect reports, and problem-solving skills. * Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, under both stressful and routine circumstances, required. * Strong collaborative style and skills and a team orientation are essential to success in this position. Experience driving consistency of operation/administration in a highly interdisciplinary environment. * Committed to improving common platforms for processes, systems and technology to enable interdisciplinary research and realize administrative efficiencies. Technical Skills: * The SAVP must possess knowledge of college research policies, federal and non-federal policies, regulations, and processes, and they should actively build new and develop existing relationships with sponsors and federal agency officials on pre- and post-award issues. * Must demonstrate solid knowledge of strategies needed to link business requirements to data and management systems configurations and applications. Commitment to improvement in processes, systems, resources, and technology. * Must have strong analytical skills and demonstrated proficiency in the operations management aspects of research administration. * Must demonstrate ability to identify and effectively respond to staff and client training needs. Date of Position Opening 2024-08-16 Salary Commensurate with experience Job listing Job Posting - Special Assistant to the VP for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice 2024.pdf Email App/Resume/Cover Letter to: tougaloocareers@tougaloo.edu In order to apply for a position, click the Employment Application link and complete the form. Physical Address: Tougaloo College Attention: Director of Human Resources 500 West County Line Road Tougaloo, MS 39174 TOUGALOO COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, DISABILITY, CITIZENSHIP, VETERAN STATUS, GENETIC INFORMATION, GENDER IDENTITY; OR ANY OTHER LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS. THE COLLEGE PROHIBITS SEXUAL HARASSMENT, INCLUDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE.