What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Science, Technology and Research (STaR) position at WV Higher Education Policy Commission?
JOB
The purpose of the position, Associate Director of Science, Technology and Research, is to develop strategy and provide programmatic direction that serve the state of West Virginia’s growing emphasis on university-based scientific research and to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program success through proposal development, support of cross-institutional working groups, and submission and administration of National Science Foundation grant proposals/awards. Classification: Full Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible, Grant Funded
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
STEM Research EnhancementAssists in the preparation of infrastructure proposals to the National Science Foundation including initial concept, writing, editing, and budget preparation, and project management after the awarding of grants. Develops requests for proposals (RFPs) for the West Virginia Research Challenge Fund (RCF)Assists in reviewing federal and state-funded research proposals and analyzes scientific merit of proposals.Manages research program activities, develops progress reports, and works to develop new research activities, proposals and awards from federal sources. Searches federal libraries and websites for research opportunities and program announcements.Manages special projects and makes sound scientific recommendations on research proposals from a variety of scientific fields as requested by the Senior Director.Works with key university constituents (i.e., Vice Presidents of Research and Faculty Investigators) on Leadership Teams and Advisory Boards to help manage research grants. Facilitates key central administrative activities for sponsored research programs.Division Administration and SupportDevelops and maintains progress on the strategic plan for communication with the Communications Manager. Contributes to communication activities including newsletters, media events, and website content.Represents the Division at meetings and public events and makes technical presentations to public audiences including the Science and Research Council (governing board) in association with the Senior Director. Responsible for drafting annual reports and assembling support documents in association with the Senior Director and the Fiscal and Administrative Manager.Assists in the supervision of the office staff and assumes specific responsibilities as requested in the absence of the Senior Director.Education, Outreach and ParticipationPlans and executes science outreach events and publications to meet education, outreach and participation requirements of the Division’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Research Challenge Fund grants.Develops progress reports on education, outreach, participation and workforce development, and presents results to the Science and Research Council, the Higher Education Policy Commission, and other audiences. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the functions of NSF and the EPSCoR Program. Research knowledge, including a basic grounding in scientific theory and principles. Knowledge of the research programs and STEM activities at higher education institutions -preferably in West Virginia.Awareness of major research programs nationally. Ability to search federal libraries and websites for research opportunities and program announcements. Ability to assess complex research concepts and provide constructive feedback on the feasibility of proposals from a variety of scientific fields.Ability to establish good working relationships with other programs, agencies, departments, public officials, higher education peers and the general public. Strong analytical and communication skills. Excellent writing abilities and grantsmanship skills.A basic knowledge of grants management.The ability to communicate effectively with grantees. Proficiency in using office software and technology
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Closing Date: March 19, 2025Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references. IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure the work experience section in your application is detailed and complete. Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks. Equal Opportunity EmployerThe West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff.
The purpose of the position, Associate Director of Science, Technology and Research, is to develop strategy and provide programmatic direction that serve the state of West Virginia’s growing emphasis on university-based scientific research and to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program success through proposal development, support of cross-institutional working groups, and submission and administration of National Science Foundation grant proposals/awards. Classification: Full Time, Non-Classified, Exempt, Benefits-Eligible, Grant Funded
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
STEM Research EnhancementAssists in the preparation of infrastructure proposals to the National Science Foundation including initial concept, writing, editing, and budget preparation, and project management after the awarding of grants. Develops requests for proposals (RFPs) for the West Virginia Research Challenge Fund (RCF)Assists in reviewing federal and state-funded research proposals and analyzes scientific merit of proposals.Manages research program activities, develops progress reports, and works to develop new research activities, proposals and awards from federal sources. Searches federal libraries and websites for research opportunities and program announcements.Manages special projects and makes sound scientific recommendations on research proposals from a variety of scientific fields as requested by the Senior Director.Works with key university constituents (i.e., Vice Presidents of Research and Faculty Investigators) on Leadership Teams and Advisory Boards to help manage research grants. Facilitates key central administrative activities for sponsored research programs.Division Administration and SupportDevelops and maintains progress on the strategic plan for communication with the Communications Manager. Contributes to communication activities including newsletters, media events, and website content.Represents the Division at meetings and public events and makes technical presentations to public audiences including the Science and Research Council (governing board) in association with the Senior Director. Responsible for drafting annual reports and assembling support documents in association with the Senior Director and the Fiscal and Administrative Manager.Assists in the supervision of the office staff and assumes specific responsibilities as requested in the absence of the Senior Director.Education, Outreach and ParticipationPlans and executes science outreach events and publications to meet education, outreach and participation requirements of the Division’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and Research Challenge Fund grants.Develops progress reports on education, outreach, participation and workforce development, and presents results to the Science and Research Council, the Higher Education Policy Commission, and other audiences. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the functions of NSF and the EPSCoR Program. Research knowledge, including a basic grounding in scientific theory and principles. Knowledge of the research programs and STEM activities at higher education institutions -preferably in West Virginia.Awareness of major research programs nationally. Ability to search federal libraries and websites for research opportunities and program announcements. Ability to assess complex research concepts and provide constructive feedback on the feasibility of proposals from a variety of scientific fields.Ability to establish good working relationships with other programs, agencies, departments, public officials, higher education peers and the general public. Strong analytical and communication skills. Excellent writing abilities and grantsmanship skills.A basic knowledge of grants management.The ability to communicate effectively with grantees. Proficiency in using office software and technology
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Closing Date: March 19, 2025Application Process: In addition to filling out the online application, qualified candidates must submit a letter of interest and contact information for three professional references. IMPORTANT: Your eligible score will be based on information provided in your application; therefore, make sure the work experience section in your application is detailed and complete. Final candidates are subject to employment and credential verification, as well as reference and background checks. Equal Opportunity EmployerThe West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. The Commission and Council provide a collegial and respectful environment that values the contributions of its staff.