Job Information
Colorado State University Assistant Vice President for Research Administration in Fort Collins, Colorado
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleAssistant Vice President for Research Administration
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional PositionNo
Posting Number202400651AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleSenior Management Level II
Number of Vacancies1
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary Range$190,000-$225,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/20/2024
Description of Work Unit
TheOffice of the Vice President for Research( OVPR ) has overall responsibility for promoting and facilitating the research enterprise at Colorado State University. The Office of the Vice President for Research will enable the University, its faculty, staff, and students to emerge as a world-class research institution complementing our learning, service, and outreach missions. The Office of the Vice President for Research will lead the 21st Century Land-Grant mission of Colorado State University by fostering and supporting the research enterprise, promoting scholarship and artistry, instilling a culture of integrity, inclusion, and diversity, and capitalizing on opportunities to address global challenges.
TheOffice of Sponsored Programs ( OSP ) works to support Colorado State University ( CSU ) community members with professional, client centered service, expertise, and technology in the pursuit and conduct of externally funded projects. With 45 pre- and post-award staff, the OSP is a full-service office for externally funded activities at CSU and supports the University community through a broad range of services. OSP staff work closely with unit administrators and other campus units to provide full lifecycle administrative support for externally funded projects, supporting compliant administration of approximately $500M in sponsored projects expenditures annually.
Colorado State University( CSU ) is recognized as one of the premier research institutions and routinely ranks in the top of all American Universities in research expenditures. The university was established in 1870 as the land-grant institution for the State of Colorado. The University is committed to equity and inclusive excellence, setting the standard for public research universities in education, research, and engagement for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Student enrollment is approximately 34,000 and the University employs more than 7,200 staff including academic faculty, administrative professionals, and classified staff. As a premier land-grant university, CSU is addressing and solving the great global challenges of our time.
CSU is inthe city of Fort Collins, a dynamic community with a population of approximately 165,000. Situated 65 miles north of Denver at the western edge of the Great Plains and at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a gateway to world-class skiing, hiking, fishing, climbing, and biking. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and low humidity, Fort Collins residents enjoy pleasant weather year-round. Indoor and outdoor activities are enjoyable in every season.
Colorado has earned a worldwide reputation as an area that offers an unparalleled lifestyle, and Fort Collins represents the very best of Colorado with top award rankings from Forbes for Best Place for Business/Careers, Gallup Well Being Index for Healthiest Mid-Size City in America, CBS Money watch List of Top 10 Best Places to Retire, Outside Magazine Best Towns in America, among other select recognitions:http://www.fcgov.com/fcfacts.
Position Summary
The Assistant Vice President for Research Administration ( AVPRA ) at Colorado State University is a key leadership position within the institution’s research administration structure. The AVPRA will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the comprehensive research administration functions within the Office of the Vice President for Research to support the university’s research mission. This position requires a dynamic and experienced individual capable of providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and fostering a culture of compliance, integrity, and excellence in research administration.
The Assistant Vice President for Research Administration reports directly to the Vice President for Research ( VPR ) and plays a lead role in accomplishing Colorado State University’s Research and Discovery goals. The AVPRA will work to support the research mission as set forth in the Office and University strategic plans. As a key member of the leadership team for the Office of the Vice President for Research, the AVPRA serves as an advocate and an advisor to the VPR for research administration activities. The AVPRA will effectively interface in a leadership capacity on behalf of the VPR with central administration, colleges, and other agencies and is responsible for building strong partnerships and relationships within this broader community. As an advisor to the VPR , the AVPRA will lead the implementation of strategic programs and the deployment of resources in a manner that builds the University’s research portfolio and complies with federal and other applicable regulations. The AVPRA serves as an officer of the University with delegated authority to execute agreements on behalf of the VPR and may hold State of Colorado Controller’s signature sub-delegation.
This position oversees and directs the Office of Sponsored Programs, which is responsible for assisting CSU faculty and staff in their efforts to secure and fulfill externally funded sponsored projects. The AVPRA ensures that the Office of Sponsored Programs is efficient and effective in its day-to-day operations, and that it operates with a strong service mindset and supports the research mission of the university and the researcher community. To that end, the AVPRA is expected to provide strategic direction and implementation in Office of Sponsored Programs including policy, organizational, and culture management. The AVPRA will provide innovative strategies and solutions in the recruitment and retention of a robust and highly skilled workforce and the effective organization of the Office of Sponsored Programs to meet the needs of a rapidly growing research enterprise, which has experienced nearly 70% growth in the past decade. The position ensures a strong service orientation of the research administration functions and compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, procedures, Uniform Guidance, and sponsor-specific guidelines in the negotiation and execution of grant awards and contracts for funded sponsored projects. This position provides effective leadership to remote, hybrid and in person pre- and post-award teams in sponsored programs, in addition to a wide range of internal and external constituencies, including faculty members, research staff, committee members, administrators, and federal agencies. The AVPRA will also work collaboratively with key partners and outside stakeholders of the OVPR to further the development and implementation of research administration and services strategies, and to help ensure a culture of innovation and compliance in research administration campus wide.
The successful candidate will possess strong leadership and communication abilities that foster effective and collegial working relationships with all University constituents. They will have strong financial management skills, project management expertise, and experience coordinating strategic planning, implementation, and assessment. The AVPRA is also expected to have deep and robust knowledge of federal regulations (including the Uniform Guidance, CFR , FAR , DFAR ), technology transfer, and the legal and regulatory/compliance environment governing research administration. The AVPR will need to manage complex personnel issues including issues of diversity, inclusiveness, sensitivity, collaboration, performance improvement, and conflict resolution, and should have the requisite skills and experience to support the Office of Sponsored Programs in these areas. They also will have the appropriate skills and experience to positively lead a diverse group of professionals and to work constructively, collaboratively, and diplomatically with many diverse individuals and groups both within and outside the university. Ideally, the AVPRA will have experience managing and supporting organizational change.
This position may be considered for hybrid work or remote work for an exceptional candidate. The VPR Office supports flexible work arrangements for employees, including limited teleworking privileges. Read more here:https://pts.colostate.edu/employee/telecommuting/.
Required Job Qualifications
Advanced degree and a minimum of 10 years (OR a B.A., B.S., and a minimum of 15 years) of progressive leadership experience in research administration at a Research 1 (R1) institution of higher education or organization of comparable complexity
A minimum of 7 years of progressive supervisory experience in leading and managing professional and administrative staff in grants or in a financial administrative setting.
Experience in the full research administration lifecycle (i.e., from proposal to award closeout), including award negotiation and acceptance.
Research Administration Certification ( CRA , CPRA , and/or CFRA ) OR the ability to pass the CRA exam within one year of hire.
Experience with federal, state, corporate and foundation sponsors and administration and management of proposals and execution of grants and contracts from same sponsors.
Broad-based knowledge of various government agencies ( NIH , NSF , DoD, etc.) and corporate/foundation sponsored program requirements and practices.
Experience with enterprise and sponsored research administration systems, such as Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST , and Research.gov
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to build partnerships across a diversity of research community members including those both inside and outside of the OVPR .
Experience developing and implementing research administration policies, procedures, organizational innovations, and/or training strategies that have improved the quality of the research administration functions of an institution.
Preferred Job Qualifications
J.D. preferred.
15 or more years of experience in research administration within a research-intensive enterprise setting in higher education.
Demonstrated engagement at the federal level with issues surrounding research administration through NCURA , SRA , FDP and COGR or other similar professional organizations.
Experience working with an academic medical school or veterinary school.
Experience at a land grant or public institution of higher education
Experience with Kuali Research and Kuali Financial Systems
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryExecutive Leadership
Duty/Responsibility
Broadly serves as an advocate and an advisor to the VPR for research administration.
Effectively interfaces in a leadership capacity on behalf of the OVPR with central administration, colleges, and other agencies.
Reflects the perspective of the OVPR in meetings.
Leads the implementation of strategic programs and the deployment of resources in a manner that builds the University’s research portfolio and complies with federal and other applicable regulations.
Ensures the Office of the Vice President for Research has appropriate knowledge, background, and detailed information for all sponsored programs related decisions and activities; interacts with internal and external constituents as needed to provide this information to maximize productivity and efficiency across the division.
Determines appropriate course of action to resolve stakeholder issues/concerns, consults with the VPR as needed, communicates appropriate course of action once determined.
Interacts and consults with the Research Associate Deans and other external stakeholders as needed to ensure the successful and timely implementation of the VPR’s research agenda.
Interacts, interprets, disseminates, and negotiates with internal and external staff and stakeholders as assigned. Evaluates requests from the VPR to determine appropriate consultations, negotiations, and course of action; conducts negotiations as needed; communicates results to the VPR .
Prepares and/or coordinates OVPR reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on issues, as appropriate.
Leads processes to improve policy and procedures; ensures continuous improvement. · Working in concert with other key OVPR personnel, the AVPRA will be responsible for initiating, implementing and delegating activities surrounding sustainable budget approaches for OVPR priorities.
Represents and upholds the Principles of Community plus the vision, mission, and values of the Office of the VP for Research.
Percentage Of Time20%
Job Duty CategoryOperational and Strategic Management of the Office of Sponsored Programs
Duty/Responsibility
Serve as the senior leader of the Office of Sponsored Programs, including overseeing operations; strategic planning and implementation; developing, overseeing, and monitoring the OSP operating budget; and perpetuating a culture of customer service, capability, empowerment, and success.
Provide leadership to research administrative systems and system/process improvements.
Serves as expert for interpreting, explaining, and applying University and sponsor policies as well as federal and state regulations related to research administration issues.
Conducts policy and procedure analyses, and updates and implements changes as necessary and as required by Sponsors.
Conducts business negotiations on behalf of the Office of the VP for Research.
Serves as the lead OSP point of contact on issues of intellectual property issues and coordination with CSU STRATA , CSU’s external technology transfer office.
Serves as the lead OSP point of contact on issues relating to Contracting and Federal Acquisition Regulations as well as other Federal Agency specific contracting regulations.
Reviews and negotiates contracts and grants with signature authority to execute contracts and grants.
Percentage Of Time55%
Job Duty CategoryInternal and External Relations
Duty/Responsibility
- Interact with external sponsors, auditors, and University officials and other campus representatives, including: Business and Financial Services, Internal Audit, Advancement, CSU Foundation, CSU Research Foundation, CSU STRATA , Deans, Research Associate Deans, department heads, and business officers in the academic units, on all matters relating to sponsored research administration.
Percentage Of Time15%
Job Duty CategorySupervision
Duty/Responsibility
Supervision over Pre-award services, Post-award services, Training, Electronic Research Administration, Compliance Management, and Office Administration.
Determines staffing requirements and leads, manages, mentors, and coaches staff.
Sets clear performance and development standards, conducts performance evaluations, reviews and approves time/leave reporting, and initiates disciplinary processes when required.
Hires, on-boards, and terminates employees consistent with all relevant HR and procurement policies and procedures.
Ensures position descriptions, advertisements, and search processes adhere to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion best practices.
Assigns and prioritizes work, monitors workflow, manages staff resources across service portfolio, and maintains work effort and staffing levels to meet needs of campus and CSU -System services.
Percentage Of Time10%
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later thanMonday, May 20, 11:59pm (MT)for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted. Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:
Statement of Qualifications (a letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.
Resume
References – please include 3 professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. This posting will remain open until filled.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactMeg Suter, meghan.suter@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume or CV
Optional Documents