Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Work

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work invites applications for Associate Dean for Research. A preeminent national, urban public university and health sciences center, VCU is one of only 28 public universities nationwide designated as top tier in both research activity and community engagement. The University is located in the capital city of Richmond, recently ranked among the top 25 places to live for quality of life in the U.S. 

The Associate Dean for Research will manage the School of Social Work’s Office of Research and will collaborate closely with faculty on conceptualization, design, budgetary assistance, and other forms of support for grant proposals and ongoing research activities. Primary duties will be to support individual faculty members’ research; build research collaborations between the SSW and the university and its local and state partners; and strengthen the School’s research culture and advance its portfolio. 

This position is a 50% faculty and 50% administrative appointment. The incumbent will report to the Dean and will represent the school in stakeholder groups in the university, the community and the profession. As the incumbent will hold a primary tenure-track/tenured faculty appointment in the SSW, candidates must have an exceptional record of externally funded research, publications, and teaching. As tenure-track faculty in the SSW teach 4 courses per academic year, the Associate Dean for Research is expected to teach 2 courses per year, with the option to buy-out of one course.

To learn more about the VCU School of Social Work, please visit: https://socialwork.vcu.edu/

Position Responsibilities:

Academic Administration

• Oversee the School’s Office of Research and collaborate with the school’s senior research administrator on research budgets, external grant development, grants and contracts management, and negotiation of project supports

• Represent the School at the VCU Office of Research and Innovation and its subsidiaries, e.g., Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Development Advisory Committee (ReDAC) and other entities as assigned by the dean
  
• Serve on the Dean’s Executive Team for school-wide planning and operations, and apprise the dean of funding opportunities and activities, e.g., budget, projects, needs
  
• Provide leadership and guidance in monitoring the School’s infrastructure to optimize external funding and research activities

Research Grants and Contracts 

• Work with other VCU entities, e.g., Office of Research and Innovation, other schools and departments, and research centers to identify and develop opportunities for interdisciplinary research activities
  
• Maintain an active program of externally funded research
  
• Apprise the faculty of opportunities for research funding and collaborative projects
  
• Manage the allocation of internal School research funds and student RA positions
  
• Consult with PhD program director on GRA appointments to funded projects 

 Promote a Vibrant, Collaborative, and Sustainable Culture of Research

• Develop and oversee a research mentoring program for faculty and students 
  
• Coordinate research presentations and workshops with, by and for faculty and PhD students
  
• Coordinate research office activities with the director of communications re: website, social media, and other communication platforms
  
• Communicate current and anticipated research policies and activities through regular meetings with faculty
  
• Administer the research/study leave program for qualified faculty members

Required Qualifications: 

• Currently tenured associate professor or full professor
•  Doctoral degree in social work or a closely related discipline
• Strong record of externally funded research, publications, and teaching.
• Well-developed scholarly/research portfolio with evidence of interdisciplinary applications and external funding that complements and extends faculty expertise in the School
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring faculty in research program development
• Significant interdisciplinary experience with social science and health-related disciplines
• Demonstrated experience in fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU 
• Excellent written and oral communication and organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to track, manage, and direct multiple tasks, set priorities, and work effectively with a wide range of individuals and groups 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with writing and/or reviewing federal grants and contracts
• Administrative leadership and supervisory experience in an academic setting

 Opportunity for Post-doctoral Scholar Appointment 

• The incumbent for this position is invited to appoint a one-year funded postdoctoral scholar, with potential for a second-year renewal.  

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contributions to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally BIPOC groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.

VCU’s evaluation of a candidate’s Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be viewpoint-neutral. VCU does not engage in unlawful discrimination in the context of hiring decisions, to include based on the ideological beliefs or viewpoints of the candidate or a perception of such beliefs or viewpoints. VCU is committed to an environment free from unlawful discrimination and that promotes freedom of inquiry and expression.

Salary: $155,000 - $165,000 or commensurate on experience

Documents needed to apply: Cover Letter, CV, Diversity Statement

Please direct questions and inquiries to Dr. Denise Burnette, Samuel S. Wurtzel Professor of Social Work and Search Committee Chair (jdburnette@vcu.edu). Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 3, 2025.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 1
Tenure: Tenure Track
Rank: Open
Months: 12
Department: School of Social Work

Salary: $155, 000 - $165,000

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Denise Burnette
Contact Email: jdburnette@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 

Salary : $155,000 - $165,000