Associate Director

Associate Director

Position Overview

The Institute for Information Sciences (I2S) is a designated research center at the University of Kansas. Its primary research mission is the study of information focusing on moving data; interactions between the internet and society; cyber security; solving mathematical problems with computers; and radar and other electromagnetic/acoustic sensing problems. The I2S is comprised of five research centers, consisting of 43 faculty affiliates, 12 staff members, and over 140 student researchers.

The Associate Director will provide leadership and coordinate I2S research across thrust areas, assisting the Director and PIs in grant development, execution, and administration with emphasis on large, long-term efforts. Additionally, the Associate Director will provide administrative, supervisory, and publicity support for the operational needs of the I2S. This position works with the I2S Director in developing Center wide policies and planning and will act as the I2S Director in the director’s absence.

Job Description

50% – Administration & Finance: In concert with the Director, the Associate Director develops, implements, and manages policies and standard operating procedures regarding Institute operations, maintaining compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations and in support of the Institute’s mission. Develops reports and identifies metrics to evaluate efficiencies and suggest operational changes when warranted. The Associate Director coordinates with the Shared Service Center and Award Management Services to ensure completion of Institute requests and appropriateness of reporting. The Associate Director is responsible for planning and allocating Institute space including space analysis for completion of space surveys and coordinating all space renovations. The Associate Director ensures that the Institute operates smoothly and efficiently through effective management of general operations, events, and finances.

The Associate Director assumes primary responsibility for developing strategic financial planning in alignment with the Institute’s mission, goals, and objectives including support for Institute staff.

The Institute’s budget is comprised of sponsored project funds, research overhead, corporate unit support funds, and endowment funds (revenue and base funding). The Associate Director serves as advisor for the I2S student organizations. The Associate Director has the authority to act on the Director’s behalf for the department.

20% – Research Management: The Associate Director is responsible for all aspects of the Institute’s research administration and assists faculty PIs with proposal development and project administration functions. The Associate Director monitors sponsored project budgets and expenditures to ensure adequate support is available for sponsored projects and that funds are expended properly and efficiently. The Associate Director works with faculty to coordinate task plans, budget justifications, and other administrative inputs for major proposals and assists with coordination of large, multi-investigator, multi-center proposals. The Associate Director ensures that necessary information related to funding changes and project reports is provided to Award Management Services in a timely manner.

10% – Communications: The Associate Director ensures that Institute communications are cohesive and reflect the mission of the Institute in concert with the broader KU Office of Research and University of Kansas missions. I2S communications include routine electronic announcements as well as printed and electronic notices for special events, conference and seminar publications, maintenance of an up-to-date website and various social media accounts, as well as bulletin boards and electronic displays within the building. The Associate Director is also responsible for special communications projects including annual reports and other major reports. The Associate Director frequently connects with administrators across all levels at the university as well as state agencies, community leaders, and other entities.

10% – Personnel Management: The Associate Director provides oversight for the hiring and supervision of graduate and undergraduate research Associates, and provides support in appointing, onboarding, supervising, and terminating staff employees. The Associate Director coordinates with Human Resources and keeps staff informed of relevant policies and other information.

10% – Organizational & Program Development: The Associate Director oversees Institute projects and programs such as conferences, seminars, workshops, and other special events. The Associate Director develops or arranges training and professional development activities for I2S staff.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree plus a minimum of 3 years of related professional experience, or a Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of related professional experience.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as evidenced by application materials.

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience.

• 3 years of experience applying and interpreting federal rules and regulations, general cost accounting standards, and administrative rules as applied to sponsored program administration.

• 2 years of demonstrated experience in a higher education setting, showing ability to work effectively with students, staff, principal investigators/faculty, sponsors and other stakeholders.

• 3 years experience with managing budgets and financial systems associated with sponsored research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with one or more of the research focus areas of the I2S.

• Experience applying university, federal, and state rules and regulations.

• Familiarity with University of Kansas, KU Office of Research, and State of Kansas rules and regulations.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.

• Resume or curriculum vitae.

• Contact information for three professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If interested, please apply: https://apptrkr.com/3269292

Application review begins Monday, August 1, and continues until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.

Anticipated Start Date: negotiable, as soon as possible after hire.

Contact Information to Applicants

Pam Farr, pheim@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range: Starting $70,812, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: M-F, 8-5 flex time is allowed

Application Review Begins: Monday, August 1, 2022

Anticipated Start Date: Monday, August 22, 2022