Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies & Research

About Us

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Georgia College \& State University (GCSU) is the state's designated public liberal arts university, where students learn the essential skills to compete in a fast\-paced and technology\-driven global society. The university prepares students for successful careers, leadership in communities, problem solving and life\-long learning through personalized attention in a residential setting with opportunities for a variety of transformational experiences through its award\-winning, high\-impact practices. One of only three selective universities within the University System of Georgia and a top 10 ranked public university in the Southeast, GCSU offers undergraduate degrees in more than 40 majors, more than 30 graduate programs, doctorates in education and nursing, professional certificates, and continuing education programs.

As a member of the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), GCSU is committed to fostering a liberal arts environment that values academic preeminence, interdisciplinary inquiry and an inclusive learning community. GCSU enjoys a strong reputation for academic excellence and nationally ranked programs according to US News \& World Report, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction \- among other ranking sources.

Georgia College \& State University takes great pride in combining the educational experience of a private liberal arts college with the affordability of a public university. Faculty and staff are dedicated to student engagement and experiential learning through high\-impact practices such as internships, service\- and community\-based learning, leadership development, study abroad opportunities, mentored undergraduate research and a capstone project that fosters intellectual curiosity, reasoned inquiry and critical thinking.

The university's beautiful and historic campus is located downtown in Milledgeville, Georgia, a charming college town of approximately 19,000 residents in Central Georgia, and only 90 miles southeast of Atlanta. Milledgeville is also the home of noted American author and alumna, Flannery O'Connor, '45, and the college community enjoys many exciting literary arts programs at O'Connor's former home, Andalusia, a National Historic Landmark owned by the university. Milledgeville is located on the banks of beautiful Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, allowing faculty, staff and students to take full advantage of the environmental and recreational benefits of being part of a lake community. For cultural, educational and leisure opportunities beyond Milledgeville \- Macon and Atlanta are located within easy driving distances.

Georgia College \& State University is dedicated to protecting academic freedom in addition to supporting freedom of expression as outlined in the University System of Georgia's Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom policy and its Ethics Code of Conduct. For more information, visit us online at gcsu.edu.

Job Summary

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Reporting to the Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, the Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research will contribute to the creation of a centralized infrastructure for graduate studies and research. This position will be responsible for policy development, the promotion of academic innovation and excellence, and program development in conjunction with the Division of Academic Affairs, the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects, and the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The Assistant Vice President of Graduate Studies and Research will also work with the Director of the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects to align graduate research with the strategic plan of the university while supporting student success.

Responsibilities

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Leadership \& Strategic Development \- 30

Conceptualize a strategic vision for Graduate Studies and Research.

Champion GCSU's growing research mission.

Translate the vision of the university into grants and contracts activities in applied and basic research, community and economic development, and various contractual training projects in a number of disciplines.

Strengthen research infrastructure and build capacity.

Develop, refine, and enforce policies that support and enhance graduate student success, promote academic excellence, and provide student research experiences.

Advocate for graduate education and research priorities.

Collaborate with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to forge partnerships which advance the mission of the university.

Coordinate and/or serve on relevant governance teams, boards, councils, and committees.

Program Development and Oversight \- 20

Oversee review of proposal for new, modified, or discontinued graduate academic curricula and programs by authorized campus bodies and individuals.

Assure the quality of graduate programs and credentials through the development and implementation of academic policies and assessment tools.

Overview timely review of academic probation/disqualification for graduate students and intervention strategies to maximize student success.

Foster curriculum development and assessment of graduate program reviews.

Collaborate with deans, chairs, and directors on the evaluation processes of thesis/dissertation and evaluation processes for all graduate students.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, University System of Georgia (USG), and university policies governing graduate study.

Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified graduate students.

Advance opportunities and support for faculty, student, and university community engagement in research, scholarly investigations, and creative activities.

Ensure compliance with federal, state, USG, and university policies governing university\-sponsored research, including protection of human subjects, animal welfare, intellectual property, export control, conflict of interest, and misconduct in research.

Assume institutional responsibility for federal compliance and assurances issues of items such as financial conflicts of interest, Human Subjects Research Protection, Animal Care and Use, radiation and biohazards safety, research ethics, agency\-required student and staff training, and export control.

Collaborate with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies to promote programming for adult learners.

Staff Management \- 15

Ensure timely review of proposals for external funding and advise the Associate Provost concerning approval.

Support the ongoing development of staff including evaluations, provision of constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities.

Financial Management \& Resource Development \- 15

Support the technological infrastructure, equipment, and facilities needed for effective program development and delivery, including developing labs and experiential learning spaces.

Identify funding sources to support faculty, student, and university community engagement in research, scholarly investigations, and creative activities.

Participate in negotiations on cost\-share, matching funds, in\-kind, and facilities requirements of funding proposals.

Ensure proper documentation and budgeting for proposals, ensuring compliance and alignment with sponsor requirements, etc.

Collaborate with Office of Budget and Finance to ensure internal pre\-award and post\-award policy compliance.

Relationship Building \& Communication \- 15

Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, and external partners to promote graduate education through curriculum development, research initiatives, and funding opportunities.

Maintain and strengthen key strategic partnerships and community relationships.

Collaborate with colleges, schools, units, and divisions to foster interdisciplinary, trans\-disciplinary, and transformative research.

Network to maintain and build relationships with campus collaborators including faculty, staff, students, pre\-award, post\-award, and the Associate Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Communicate effectively through appropriate outlets such as social media to advance Graduate Studies and the Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects.

Recognize and celebrate outstanding student and faculty scholarship and creativity through awards programs, research forums and conferences, and publications.

Other \- 5

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

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Educational Requirements

A terminal degree and the appropriate academic credentials, including substantial evidence of research and scholarly activity to qualify for faculty status at the level of Full Professor in one of the colleges within the division of Academic Affairs

Other Required Qualifications

• An understanding of current trends in higher education and experience with innovation in undergraduate and graduate research particularly in a liberal arts setting
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Required Experience

• A record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure
• A strong record of progressively responsible and relevant university leadership experience
• A minimum of five years of relevant academic leadership experience
• Experience with program planning, direction, and coordination
• Success in obtaining external funding as appropriate to their academic field and serving as the Principal Investigator for external grants
• Experience in staff evaluation and supervision
• Experience in mentoring and working with graduate students
• Experience in administration and budgeting

Preferred Qualifications

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Preferred Experience

• Experience with and knowledge of accreditation standards and processes.

Proposed Salary

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This position is a pay grade 13\. The available salary range is $105,000\.00 to $125,000\.00\. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about GCSU compensation practices, click here: https://www.gcsu.edu/humanresources/pay\-grade\-structure.

Relocation is negotiable.

Required Documents to Attach

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• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• List of References
• Transcripts

Knowledge, Skills, \& Abilities

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ABILITIES

• Lead complex academic organization.
• Translate institutional goals into actionable strategies.
• Make sound decisions regarding resources, programs and personnel
• Build consensus among stakeholders.
• Advocate effectively for college needs and priorities.
• Foster high\-quality graduate education and research.
• Embrace new ideas, research collaborations, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Navigate complex organizational structures.
• Analyze complex data and trends.
• Balance competing priorities and demands.
• Foster innovation while maintaining academic excellence.
• Adapt leadership approach to different situations.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Manage day\-to\-day operations strategically.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of graduate education structures, program assessment, and accreditation processes.
• Understanding of federal, state, and institutional policies regarding graduate education and research.
• Knowledge of lab and experiential learning space development, as well as research technology needs.
• Expertise in grant writing, proposal development, compliance, budgeting, and funding allocation.
• Deep understanding of academic program development and assessment.
• Understanding of budget management and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with fundraising and advancement strategies.
• Understanding of current trends in higher education.
• Knowledge of professional development and evaluation processes.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and requirements.

SKILLS

• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Academic leadership and program development.
• Budget development and fiscal management.
• Personnel management and performance evaluation.
• Grant writing and external funding acquisition.
• Relationship building with internal/external stakeholders.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Social media and digital communication proficiency.
• Data\-driven decision making.
• Change management.
• Conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Strong attention to legal, ethical, and institutional regulations governing graduate education and research.

USG Core Values

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The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8\.2\.18\.1\.2 and can be found on\-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/\#p8\.2\.18\_personnel\_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6\.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on\-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653\.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

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This is a supervisory position.

This position has financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P\-Card).

This position may travel 1% \- 24% of the time.

This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

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• Criminal Background Check
• Education Verification

Special Applicant Instructions

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AVP role is for in\-person employment; no virtual, remote, or hybrid options available.