Associate Director of Research Development

Overview

Associate Director of Research Development
 

George Mason University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS): invites well-qualified candidates to apply for a newly created position, Associate Director of Research Development, as part of an expansion of Research Development Services in the College. The position will provide leadership and support to CHSS researchers/scholars to develop fundable projects and to craft competitive funding proposals to external sponsors to support their research, scholarly and creative works (RSCW). The College submits about 190 proposals a year for external funding and manages about 200 active grants worth ~$19 million in annual research expenditures.

George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.
 

Responsibilities:
The Associate Director of Research Development, reporting to the Associate Dean for Research, will be integral to shaping the growth, development and success of this new initiative. Position duties include:

Research Development Consultation:

• Assess short- and long-term funding needs and identify funding opportunities and strategies, as well as local resources and connections to advance research agendas;
• Work with faculty at all stages of their careers – newly hired, mid- and later- career researchers, providing guidance and services according to needs and interests;
• Identify and cultivate interdisciplinary, collaborative research opportunities;
• Coordinate research development activities, including faculty networking, and peer-to-peer faculty activities, aligning with other university and CHSSfaculty development initiatives.

Proposal Development:

• Review sponsor guidelines and create a detailed proposal-writing work plan;
• Provide feedback and editing of proposal narratives;
• Help draft or secure supporting documentation;
• Develop proposal development resources, such as sample narratives, sponsor specific sections, and descriptions of college facilities and resources;
• Conceptualize and define budget needs.

Complex (Multi-unit or Large) Proposal Development and Management:

• Coordinate team proposal writing process;
• Work with partner institutions or other Mason units (within CHSS and across the university) to coordinate proposal and budget development;
• Encourage and facilitate international proposals.

Coordination of Internal Funding Competitions:

• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Research, solicit applications, convene review panels, recommend awards for College/University funded current & emerging initiatives;
• Promote participation in university funded, multidisciplinary proposals;
• Follow-up with internal funding recipients related to reporting and dissemination of results, and continuation of RSCW and strategy for seeking additional external funds.

Research Development and Promotion:

• Create and present events and programs that advance the conduct of research, scholarship and creative works, e.g. faculty-led forum such as “research roundtables,” sponsor visits and programs, grant writing and other information sessions;
• Use research website and other communication methods to promote/feature scholarly accomplishments and provide current information about grants and sponsor news;
• Nurture a sense of scholarly community and collaboration within CHSS and across the university.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a CHSS or closely allied field;
• Three years of directly relevant full-time experience in research development or sponsored programs, preferably in a university setting;
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, and listening) including the ability to provide feedback constructively;
• Experience in cultivating relationships and working collegially and respectfully with colleagues and funders;
• Broad understanding of college, university and sponsor funding environment;
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to manage competing priorities under strict deadlines;
• Ability to work independently and in teams;
• Ability to edit grant proposals, website content and other documents;
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and other training;
• Creativity, curiosity and interest in working in an academic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in a CHSS or closely allied field;
• Four or more years of directly relevant full-time experience in research development or sponsored programs, preferably in a university setting;
• Experience as an externally funded researcher or as part of a sponsored project;
• Experience with international collaborations and projects;
• Membership in professional associations related to research development and/or sponsored programs.

Please send inquiries about the position to Aurali Dade at adade3@gmu.edu

College of Humanities and Social Sciences:

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS): is Mason's largest college, currently offering 27 undergraduate majors, 56 minors, 9 doctoral degrees, 26 master's degrees, and 16 graduate certificates. In Fall 2017, it enrolled 25% of the University's undergraduates and 14% of its graduate students. Its faculty and students are highly active in research, with external research funding to the college averaging $15-$20 million annually. The College is home to exceptional faculty and diverse disciplines across the humanities and the social sciences, which provides a great opportunity to contribute to the university's ambitious goals of doubling R&D expenditures by 2024. The work of CHSS was instrumental in the university's recent attainment of R-1 Doctoral University (Highest Research Activity) classification. Our faculty take great pride in being active scholar¬ teachers, and research is a vital part of the undergraduate and graduate student experience. The College is also rooted in intellectual leadership tied to real-world outcomes on regional, national, and global levels. Our faculty are committed partners in innovative programs, service offerings, and strategic alliances that strengthen the public and private sectors of the community.
 

Special Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for position number FA97FZ at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a CV, cover letter/statement of interest, a writing sample, and the names and full contact information for three professional references. An offer of employment is contingent upon background verification.

Review of applications will begin on May 8, 2019, but will remain open until the position is filled.

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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