Director, Faculty Relations and Operational Excellence
The University of Oklahoma

Job Info

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Organization

This position ensures ORS staff have the training and resources necessary to perform their assigned duties by monitoring federal and sponsor policy changes and working to design internal processes and procedures to comply with those changes while balancing administrative burdens. The position provides strategic management efficiency implementation and research administrative advice and guidance to faculty and staff on sponsored projects to advance the University and ORS mission.

This position requires critical thinking skills, problem recognition and problem-solving ability, independent analysis, strong attention to detail, and keen organizational skills. The position requires an ability to communicate in a positive tone, clear and concise messaging (in both oral and written communication), and the ability to balance compliance with high-quality service to researchers we support.

Typical Functions May Include:

• Serves as a liaison between faculty, primary investigators (PI), ORS staff, sponsors, and other stakeholders. Establishes and maintains a variety of methods to interact with internal and external constituents. Facilitates conflict resolution and dialogue to solve problems and address concerns.  
• Assists in the development, implementation, and continued improvement of the department’s written plan for grant development at the University which includes, but is not limited to, benchmarking and providing key performance indicators to support the University’s strategic initiatives. 
• Oversees projects within a department which acts as an internal consulting group providing process facilitation support as well as rigorous analytical support to project teams. 
• Ensures the department has the infrastructure and resources required to perform its role effectively and efficiently.  
• Ensures staff members remain knowledgeable of changes in federal, state, and University guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations. 
• Conducts root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improving operational efficiency and effectiveness across all departments. Encourages a climate of continuous improvement. 
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, institutional, and sponsor guidelines including but not limited to 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), FARS/DFARS. 
• Manages the day-to-day responsibilities of assigned projects and develops long range strategic planning for the department including potential areas of focus, scope, and development of the department. 
• Participates in meetings and committees and represents the department in community outreach efforts. Oversees the development and implementation of communication plans.
• Maintains effective internal and external communication regarding process innovation and project management efforts while providing timely information regarding the progress of initiatives. Provides consultative, coaching, or mentoring services to management and or department staff as appropriate. 
• Manages a centralized repository of standard operating procedures, along with training materials, that are available and current. Documents processes, roles, and responsibilities. Assists in maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery plans. 
• Assists in determining the university’s needs for electronic research administration support and works with IT and other stakeholders to identify and implement solutions. 
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position. 
• Monitors department timelines to ensure resources are available and applied appropriately to achieve desired performance goals in a timely manner. 

Job Location

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Healthcare, or related field. 

• 72 months of project management experience which includes 36 months management or leadership experience.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree for a total of 120 months of related experience.

 Skills:

• Outstanding interpersonal and communicative skills, with the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various constituencies including faculty, senior administrators, and sponsors
• In-depth knowledge of federal, sponsor, and state regulations; substantial experience with the principles of research administration and the intricacies of the university research environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, specifically MS outlook, word, excel, and power point. Familiarity with electronic research administration (Cayuse, Fastlane, grants.gov, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to independently resolve potential conflicts with extramural sponsors as well as with university faculty researchers and administrative staff
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including the ability to plan, schedule, and successfully conduct multiple projects at the same time
• Working knowledge of planning, developing, delivering, and evaluating training and development programs; presentation skills including one-on-one, small group, and large group settings
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills 

Departmental Preference

72 months of research administration background in a university, non-profit, or funding agency setting

36 months of proposal and budget development with various funding agencies

Training and experience in strategic planning

Experience in proposal writing or other professional/technical writing/editing/proofreading

24 months of experience in the development and design of training materials, training facilitation, instructional design, curriculum design and/or related field

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Physical Requirement:

• Must be able to engage in repetitive motions and communicate effectively.
• Must be able to manage high-volume stress from deadline-driven position.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Organization: Office of Research Admin
Job Location: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Apr 9, 2024

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