Director Of Education, Outreach And Strategic Support, Office Of Sponsored Projects

Research Administration Outreach Specialist

Develop strategies to support the mission of research administration outreach. Execute timely and effective communication of updated processes, procedures, and policy changes with internal and external stakeholders. Closely monitor the sponsored research funding landscape for policy and regulatory changes and proactively develop response plans and communications to relevant university stakeholders. Support other research administration communications needs, including updating research administration website content and drafting communications around research information system changes. Closely collaborate with OVPR Director of Communications and staff in the Office of Research Support and Compliance.

Develop and execute a strategic plan for education and training for research administration at UT Austin. Oversee and implement innovative learning strategies that help to develop and sustain a viable workforce and enhance research administration expertise for the UT Austin research community. Stay informed of new and evolving regulations impacting research administration at UT Austin and quickly develop training to incorporate these changes. Closely collaborate with the Office of Research Support and Compliance on training topics that intersect sponsored research and research compliance.

Oversee the development, design, and delivery of training programs, courses, and curriculum for specific internal and campus-wide research administration audiences. Partner with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to create new and revised e-learning, online courses, instructional manuals, video tutorials, learning simulations, blended courses, etc. Analyze and report training effectiveness using performance evaluations, course completions, surveys, etc.

Manage and provide direct supervision of professional staff responsible for education and outreach activities. Hire and train (or oversee the training of) new team members. Provide on-going coaching and mentoring to team members to ensure individuals and team are successful. Effectively communicate policies/procedures and expectations to staff. Provide general advice or guidance to team and assist with items complex in nature.

Support the AVP for Research Administration in leading strategic support initiatives related to providing best-in-class central research administration support to campus. Serve as a key member of the Research Administration and Office of Sponsored Projects leadership team, fostering relationships with stakeholders across campus. Generate and implement ideas to increase collaboration and communication between the Office of Sponsored Projects, Research IT, and the campus research community. Interact on a consistent basis with college, school, and unit research administration leadership and Office of Sponsored Projects and Research IT leadership and staff.

Additional duties as assigned. Participate in professional development and attend conferences to remain current with standard and overall UT Austin, local, state, and federal guidelines, regulations, and requirements as related to research administration.