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Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration

University of Mississippi · University, MS · 3 days ago
Business DevelopmentFull-time

Job Summary

The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration (AVC-RA) is a senior leadership position within the Office of Research and Economic Development at the University of Mississippi. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development (VCRED), the AVC-RA provides strategic guidance and coordination for the University’s sponsored programs administration infrastructure and serves as a key partner in advancing the institution’s research mission.

Job Description

  • Provide strategic guidance and coordination for sponsored programs administration operations and related research administration initiatives.

  • Advise the VCRED and other university leaders on matters involving sponsored programs administration, research operations, financial stewardship, compliance, and institutional risk.

  • Develop and implement strategies that support the University’s goals for research growth, competitiveness, and operational excellence.

  • Promote a culture that balances regulatory compliance, accountability, efficiency, and exceptional customer service.

  • Champion organizational change initiatives designed to improve research administration processes and faculty support.

  • Coordinate post-award administration functions, including award acceptance, account establishment, financial monitoring, invoicing, reporting, effort certification, cost sharing, subrecipient monitoring, award modifications, and closeout activities.

  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, state laws, and institutional policies governing sponsored projects.

  • Maintain effective internal controls designed to safeguard sponsored funds and mitigate institutional risk.

  • Career development and retention of high-performing professionals.

  • Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports innovation, professional growth, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

  • A Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, sponsored programs administration, research finance, compliance, procurement, or related research operations.

  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex administrative operations within a research-intensive university, academic medical center, federal laboratory, government agency, or similarly complex organization.

  • Extensive knowledge of federal sponsored project requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), sponsor regulations, financial compliance requirements, and research administration best practices.

  • Demonstrated experience leading organizational improvement initiatives and managing institutional risk.

  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), CPA, or comparable professional credentials.

  • Experience coordinating both pre-award and post-award sponsored programs administration functions.

  • Experience supporting significant growth in externally funded research programs.

Core Competencies

  • Strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness.

  • Expertise in sponsored programs administration and research operations.

  • Financial stewardship and regulatory compliance.

  • Risk assessment and mitigation.

  • Relationship management and stakeholder engagement.

  • Process improvement and change management.

  • Data-informed decision-making.

  • Service-oriented leadership.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development. Provides oversight as assigned for Sponsored Programs Administration personnel and functions. Collaborates closely with the Director of Sponsored Programs (Pre-Award), Contracts and Grants Accounting, Procurement Services, Finance, Research Compliance, Internal Audit, Information Technology, the Office of General Counsel, and academic leadership across the University.

Application Instructions

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration. Interviews will be conducted for candidates selected for further consideration.

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