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Division of Research and Creative Achievement

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a Carnegie Foundation-ranked R1 institution with an annual Research and Development portfolio of $151M as reported to the NSF HERD survey for FY2024.The Division of Research & Creative Achievement (ORCA) consists of seven offices and a team of 45 staff members, providing the administrative foundation to support, promote, and manage UMBC’s expansive research enterprise. 

ORCA plays a central role in supporting and advancing UMBC’s research, compliance, and creative endeavors. The Division advocates for faculty, staff, and students by ensuring access to vital research infrastructure and promoting a culture of innovation and discovery across the disciplines. Through its efforts, UMBC fosters excellence in research, scholarship, and creative achievement at all levels.

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $207,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

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For 15 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

Reporting to the Vice President for Research & Creative Achievement (VP-RCA), the Associate Vice President for Research Operations (AVP-RO) will lead the operations of ORCA in UMBC’s continued pursuit of research innovation and excellence. Building upon UMBC's remarkable growth in research and external engagement, the AVP-RO will continue to elevate the support, best practices, and policies of ORCA to support the bold research agenda of this R1 institution. The AVP-RO will provide strategic and administrative leadership for the ORCA, with a focus on strategic operations, business process effectiveness and efficiency, technological utilization, collaboration, and industry best-practice. Opportunities and responsibilities for this position include:

• Operational Leadership – The Associate Vice President for Research Operations will oversee and manage ORCA’s day-to-day operations. The AVP-RO complements the VPRCA’s role by managing individuals and operations, ensuring compliance, and demonstrating servant leadership. The AVP-RO will be pivotal in operationalizing the ORCA, aligning with UMBC’s strategic goals, and fostering a supportive and efficient research environment. The AVP-RO oversees three Direct Reports and a team of 20, managing an operational and personnel budget of approximately $2 million. Key AVP-RO responsibilities include research, compliance, education, and advancement initiatives, policy formulation and implementation, and oversight of Office Directors. The AVP-RO will provide principal guidance and functional office oversight for the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) for pre- and non-financial post award functions, the Office of Research Administrative Systems (ORAS), and the Office of Research Protections and Compliance (ORPC). The AVP-RO provides primary guidance on the development and implementation of research administration operations in association with OSP, ORAS, and ORPC and provides oversight of the Directors for these offices. The AVP-RO has a superior attention to detail that transcends all facets of the research process and will leverage KUALI’s technological capacities to continue to advance operational efficiencies.

• Constituent Collaboration – This is a dynamic position requiring an individual who can effectively communicate at all levels across UMBC, the University System of Maryland (USM) and across professional communities on all matters associated with Research and Creative Achievement (RCA) activities. The AVP-RO facilitates and cultivates leadership across the reporting ORCA offices and serves as a champion of UMBC’s most important resources, its faculty and staff. The AVP-RO is a solutions-oriented partner, who works with internal and external constituents in a dynamic research and regulatory environment to navigate complex issues that require deep attention to detail, care, and an ability to anticipate trends and opportunities. The AVP-RO collaborates with units across campus, including the General Counsel’s office to develop a university-wide program of policies, training and establishing communication channels to heighten awareness of and efforts to comply with various laws and attendant regulations impacting campus research operations.

• Strategic Planning and Visioning – The AVP-RO works closely with the VP-RCA to develop and implement strategies for implementing the University’s RCA priorities. The AVP-RO supports the VP-RCA in facilitating, strengthening, and enhancing the research infrastructure of the University and the operational effectiveness of ORCA. The AVP-RO works with VP-RCA and university stakeholders in managing sensitive and complex research compliance matters (i.e. research integrity, conflicts, etc.).

 • Regulatory Compliance and Reporting – As a senior research officer, the AVP-RO provides reliable and objective data and analyses in response to internal and external requests. The AVP-RO works collaboratively with other units on campus to ensure research related regulatory requirements are understood, proper procedures are implemented, controls are monitored for ongoing compliance, and campus units are informed of new requirements as they develop. The AVP-RO troubleshoots and advises on research-related matters both on campus and with external federal, state, and corporate entities and serves as an institutional resource on research matters across UMBC.

• Master's Degree.
  
• 10 years of direct or related experience working in research administration, preferably at a Carnegie R1 institution.
• Familiarity with OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance (2 CFR Part 200) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) related to federal grants and awards is required.
• Background in negotiation of complex multi-partner agreements.
• The successful candidate will have a record of increasing experience and responsibility in related fields, strong problem-solving skills and comprehensive knowledge of relevant areas. Essential leadership qualities include a metrics-oriented approach, a tactical approach, coalition-building abilities, and a client-focused, non-hierarchical mindset. The AVP-RO should also be adept at purposeful action and decisiveness while developing stakeholder buy-in.

• PhD
• Experience in Higher Education in areas covering Sponsored Programs, Research Compliance, and Research Administrative Systems (KUALI or other similar systems).
• An understanding of the needs of a range of faculty – from early career faculty starting to build their research funding portfolios to senior level faculty working on large-scale proposals, and how to support them.
• Ability to think strategically about how to position UMBC faculty for the most productive outcomes with each audience.
• A passion for public research universities and the role they play in the vitality and economic growth of the region and the state.
• Experience at both a central and departmental level with proven ability to effectively interact with faculty and staff across the institutional RCA enterprise.
• Demonstrated commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusion, and the highest level of ethical standards and integrity.
• Experience with National professional organizations such as COGR, NCURA, SRA, or FDP. 

A background check will be required. 

The search firm DSG | Koya will manage the search process.  To view the full position profile and to apply: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22233-umbc-avp-ro/

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

The compensation range for this position is $207,000 - $242,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.