| Title: | Vice President for University Research |
|---|---|
| ID: | 8911 |
| Department: | Office of the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) |
| Location: | UDC- Main Campus Van Ness Campus – NW |
Area of Consideration: Open To The Public
Position Status: Full-Time, Regular
Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/1
Salary Range: $225,266
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Location: 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008
Brief Description of Duties
The Vice President for University Research (VPUR) will lead the reenvisioning of research at UDC. Empowered with oversight of the university’s entire research portfolio, the VPUR is responsible for directing strategic priorities and approving the submission of major research proposals. This includes working closely with cabinet-level colleagues to drive business development, strategic planning, and resource acquisition—advancing visibility and propelling the university toward R2: High Research Activity classification.
The VPUR is responsible for a broad range of key administrative duties that ensure the smooth and compliant operation of the university’s research enterprise. The VPUR will supervise both the Director of Sponsored Programs and the Director of University Compliance and provide oversight for the University Research Committee. In this role, the VPUR preserves the integrity of research activities by enforcing adherence to university, District, and federal policies and regulations. The VPUR prepares essential documents and reports related to university research, facilitating communication with the President, Board of Trustees, and both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the VPUR develops comprehensive annual plans, budgets, and assessment reports for the Office of University Research, ensuring that strategic goals and operational requirements are met with excellence. The VPUR will identify and fortify opportunities to seamlessly integrate research operations with key university functions—Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Procurement, Advancement, Finance, Sponsored Programs, and Intellectual Property—ensuring synergy and efficiency across all departments. In collaboration with the Office of Government Relations, the role advocates for expanded investment and support for research and innovation, while developing forward-thinking policies aimed at increasing faculty support, enhancing Research Centers, and maximizing the impact of Land Grant and Title III funds. The VPUR will play a pivotal role in building bridges and nurturing strategic relationships with communities, national laboratories, industry, non-profits, government, and other academic institutions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Foster an environment where stakeholders attract funding to support and expand faculty and student research opportunities.
- Develop and scale faculty-student collaborative research programs that align with UDC’s academic success hub, promoting experiential learning and embedding research competencies across degree pathways and lifelong learning initiatives; and support advising and career readiness.
- Leverage UDC assets and relationships that impact the research, land-grant, workforce development, and P-12 continuum to meet the needs of the District and beyond.
- Provide leadership and implement a vision for strengthening and expanding the research enterprise consistent with the land-grant mission and strategic plan; and drive collaboration, identification, and development of emerging research opportunities.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive plan for expanding physical and digital research infrastructure— including high-quality laboratories, shared research facilities, and secure data management systems— to support scaled, multidisciplinary research activity.
- Lead efforts to effectively organize and identify funding for interdisciplinary, campus-wide research.
- Provide an encouraging environment and support for faculty in seeking extramural funding and pursuing excellence in grant administration after a successful award.
- Provide oversight for the development and implementation of University research goals, policies, procedures and guidelines.
- Align major research to promote innovation and entrepreneurial initiatives and commercialization across the university and increase licensing of UDC intellectual property and patents. Support patent applications and assist in establishing licensing agreements.
- Develop formal relationships and meet annually with federal and district agency officials who fund sponsored programs. Advocate for and cultivate relationships with major public and private funding agencies to increase research dollars allocated to the university.
- Plan and oversee the execution of the University Research Compliance function, understanding the importance of compliance and regulatory matters.
- Promote UDC’s existing high-potential Centers for Excellence as a resource for attracting increased external funding and partnerships.
- Facilitate expansion and increased extramural funding for new high-demand research areas such as AI and quantum computing/literacy.
- Oversee the planning and execution of UDC’s annual Research Week, including coordination with expert guest speakers, community engagement, and the showcasing of faculty and student research across the entire university.
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Five or more years of experience conducting funded research projects.
- Five or more years managing sponsored program functions/research funding.
- Extensive knowledge about research funding/sponsored program processes at government agencies, foundations.
- Extensive management/supervisory leadership experience and substantive knowledge of higher education issues.
Information to Applicant
Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.
Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).
Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.
Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.
Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.
Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.
Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.
Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.
The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .
