Assistant Director, Research Center/Institute

at  Northern Arizona University

WORKPLACE CULTURE

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Provides administrative leadership to coordinate the growth and sustainability of the Center for Health Equity Research (CHER), a cross-disciplinary research center that involves faculty from across NAU as well as key partnerships with tribal, state, and federal agencies, NGOs, and businesses. Supports the vision, direction, and organization of initiatives with the overall CHER mission of collaborating with communities to build foundations and environments that support health and wellbeing.
Oversees financial health, sponsored project management, human resources, outreach activities, and strategic planning initiatives and manages the day-to-day Center operations to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of all functional areas.
The anticipated start date for this position is February 19, 2025.

Fiscal Oversight - 30%

• Develop 1-5 year budget projections to plan for Center growth and stability.
• Monitor all Center budgets, including state, local, service center, grant, and Foundation accounts.
• Monitor and manage faculty and staff effort on various funding sources.
• Complete annual budgeting process for state and local budgets.
• Responsible for allocating and managing faculty summer research effort.
• Supervise the Fiscal Operations Manager.

Human Resources - 40%

• Develop and maintain Center staffing plan and personnel policies.
• Work with NAU HR staff to draft appropriate job descriptions and hiring plans for new staff; oversee the hiring process, onboarding, and training of new Center personnel.
• Coordinate the annual review process for all Center staff.
• Manage employee development, disciplinary procedures, and other HR issues as they arise.
• Direct supervision of five staff.
• Maintain communication and cross-training among Center administrative staff (7); lead the CHER Admin Team monthly meetings and address issues or concerns that arise; coach, mentor, and motivate staff and encourage continued training and professional development.

Strategic Planning - 10%

• Serve as part of the CHER Leadership Team.
• Assist the Executive Director in the development and implementation of new Center policies.
• Assist the Executive Director in identifying and allocating staff to support special projects or initiatives.
• Participate in the development and revision of the CHER strategic plan.
• Coordinates and manages the allocation of space and space improvements, and initiates requests for new space when needed.
• Coordinate with CHER evaluation staff to prepare annual and other reports on Center activities.
• Develop policies and procedures for the Center.

Support of Sponsored Research Programs - 10%

• Supervise the CHER Program Manager’s activities on pre- and post-award activities of all CHER sponsored awards.
• Anticipate and manage potential compliance or other problems as they arise, working closely with faculty, Program Manager, Office of Sponsored Projects, Office of Research Compliance, and others as needed.
• Support development and management of awards from donors through the NAU Foundation.

Outreach - 5%

• Oversight of the CHER Communications Manager in developing unified messaging and creative outreach functions.
• Oversight of CHER website, social media, newsletter and other news outlets, and events.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in management, business, or health equity related field such as public health, sociology, psychology, anthropology or other related field.
• 2-4 years of management or supervisory experience.
• 3-5 years of other relevant experience.
• A combination of related education, experience and training may be used as an equivalent to the minimum requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher in health equity related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in utilizing PeopleSoft for personnel management and fiscal operations.
• Familiarity with Northern Arizona University’s internal processes and the collaborative dynamics among researchers, academic departments, the Office of Sponsored Research, and the Contracts and Purchasing Office.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of higher education administrative systems and business principles.
• Knowledge of financial best practices, including management of sponsored research funds.
• Knowledge of supervisory best practices.
• Knowledge of best practices in writing for public audiences, including use of style guides.
• Knowledge of and experience with grants and contract management in institutions of higher education.
• Knowledge of grant and manuscript development.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills leading, coordinating, and/or supervising the work of others.
• Possesses strong leadership skills.
• Extensive supervisory experience.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Abilities

• Ability to network effectively.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.

Please refer the Job description for details