Vice Provost for Research & Innovation

Vice Provost for Research & Innovation

The Vice Provost for Research and Innovation is responsible for the leadership, management, and administration of research at Norfolk State University and is instrumental in leading innovation initiatives throughout the University. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation holds primary responsibility for the planning, development, and implementation of all research administration initiatives in support of NSU’s vision, mission, and strategic directions. The Vice Provost of R & I will play a critical role in promoting NSU research locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally as the University seeks an elevated research classification. Additionally, they will act as an NSU liaison with all constituents on matters that relate to its interests in research, innovation, commercialization, technology transfer, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.

The successful candidate will have: Required experience

  • Terminal degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
  • Academic experience with evidence of successful university-level teaching, scholarship, and service that meets criteria as a tenured Full Professor faculty in an NSU department;
  • Evidence of successful research including academic, applied, grant, and others with evidence of successful grants;
  • At least (3) three years’ experience leading an academic unit and a record of at least three years of progressive and successful experience in academic leadership, teaching, research, and service in a college/university environment;
  • Experience in initiating and supporting organizational change, with a collegial, responsive, and creative approach;
  • Experience in developing and communicating a vision for academic excellence, student success, inspiring others with that vision, and work collaboratively and creatively to articulate that vision in a strategic planning process;
  • Administrative and budgeting experience within a complex environment with multiple revenue sources and cost centers and determining/allocating resources.

Responsibilities

  • Strategically lead the University’s research and innovative programs, including new partnerships;
  • Create a university infrastructure, environment, and culture inside the University that facilitates, encourages, inspires, nurtures, enhances, and supports research and innovation;
  • Enable and assist faculty and staff to identify and secure external funds through regional, national, and international grants (public and private, individual and institutional), partnerships and contracts to support research at NSU;
  • Promote and support basic and applied research foci in the different disciplines and areas of interest that characterize NSU;
  • Showcase NSU faculty, staff, and student research programs and initiatives;
  • Support joint research programs with partner institutions;
  • Foster research and responds to challenges confronting urban communities and historically marginalized groups;
  • Oversee the development of academic research policies, processes, and protocols;
  • Support the commercialization of appropriate NSU research projects;
  • Manage the University’s intellectual property and technology transfer programs/processes;
  • Advance research through the Office of Sponsored Research with an efficient and user-friendly Research Office that delivers services, support, and training necessary to enable the effective functioning of activities and operations while ensuring compliance with requirements of granting agencies and NSU policies;
  • Lead efforts to secure and maintain positive local, regional, state, federal, and global partnerships with government and industry;
  • Provide direction to faculty, staff, students, and organizational units in the development of their strategic research plans, support best practices, and monitor progress through appropriate performance indicators;
  • Provide leadership and oversee development of international research programs/efforts, including a focus on commercialization;
  • Develop and maintain the University’s research programs and relationships with granting agencies, government departments and ministries, regulatory bodies, community organizations, municipalities, and other post-secondary institutions, and industry;
  • Identify and pursue opportunities on behalf of researchers and the institutions to increase NSU’s performance and reputation for outstanding research;
  • Ensure compliance with all research and administration requirements including legislative, ethics, export, regulatory, funding agencies, and others;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Other Experience and Knowledge

  • Relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including federal, state, and local laws;
  • Federal auditing standards in general and particularly as they apply to colleges and universities with federal funds;
  • Knowledge of research policies, procedures, and practices;
  • Knowledge of different type of research, including grant funding;
  • Knowledge of conflict of interest and ethics requirements, including federal research requirements;
  • Knowledge of issues and trends in higher education; issues related to diverse researchers and a large multicultural constituency;
  • Experience in and deep commitment to the mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities;
  • Other job-related software and systems;
  • Excellent oral, written communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Securing high levels of research grants and awards;
  • Creating and sustaining high performing and effective teams that engage with colleagues across the University;
  • Managing staff and performance review;
  • Training and development of early career faculty and graduate students;
  • Strategic and operational management and planning as evidenced by a demonstrated track record;
  • Financial planning and resource allocation;
  • Completes assignments and tasks with a sense of urgency;

Inquiries, Applications, and Nominations:

Norfolk State University is an affirmative action, equal-opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Parker Executive Search is assisting the University in the search process. The Search Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, diversity statement that details experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives and/or with students from underrepresented groups, and contact information of at least five references), or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted prior to April 7, 2023. For additional information, please contact:

Porsha Williams, Vice President
Erin Raines, Senior Principal
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875
Atlanta, GA 30328
770-804-1996 ext.: 117
pwilliams@parkersearch.com || eraines@parkersearch.com

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application process should call the Office of Human Resources (757) 823-8160 (Voice)/ (757) 823-2876 (TDD).