Coordinator of Undergraduate Research
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on June 17, 2023
The Virginia Commonwealth University Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry (URCI), part of the VCU REAL Division within the Office of the Provost, invites applicants for the position of coordinator of Undergraduate Research. The coordinator will report to the Director of Undergraduate Research. This is a full-time, 12-month university and academic professional position.
In alignment with Quest 2028, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry manages multiple curricular and co-curricular programs that engage undergraduate students in mentored inquiry, investigation, and exploration experiences aimed at contributing to disciplinary knowledge, creating new and novel approaches to addressing grand societal problems, and to contributing intellectual and creative solutions that improve human life.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry also provides leadership to VCU's new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on scaling undergraduate research for equitable engagement and outcomes.
Primary purpose and duties:
The coordinator is responsible for supporting and increasing student and faculty engagement in collaborative research experiences, creative inquiry, and project-based learning in alignment with the overall mission of REAL, the priorities of URCI, and needs of VCU's QEP. Day to day responsibilities may include but not be limited to the following:
- Managing and expanding the Work Study Research Assistant program
- Assisting with cohort-based developmental activities for students and their mentors during the summer
- Managing position postings in university student opportunity databases (e.g., Handshake and Student Opportunity Center).
- Recruiting faculty and students, including those from underrepresented groups, to participate in undergraduate research experiences and activities:
- Supporting the VCU Fellowships for Undergraduate Research program
- Leading informational sessions and advising prospective undergraduate researchers;
- Promoting the QEP and undergraduate research opportunities at campus events
- Organizing, managing, and coordinating student participation in local, regional and national conferences and other presentations of student works to include:
- Overseeing the annual VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research
- Assisting campus partners in publicizing their undergraduate research celebrations and symposia via VCU Research Weeks
- Managing the Undergraduate Research Travel Grant
- Serving as needed on advisory bodies related to undergraduate research including QEP committees
- Supporting curricular initiatives, assessment, and other areas as needed
- Other duties and special projects as requested
The incumbent will provide leadership and support for the mission of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry and the QEP, and must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Strong writing, public speaking, and student engagement skills
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills
- Strong interpersonal skills capable of building and maintaining strong relationships
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to include the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels within the university and external constituents
- Evidence of strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
In addition, to work in our dynamic, diverse and collaborative environment, we seek candidates who are flexible, well-organized, curious, detail-oriented, ethical, resourceful; and who are able to prioritize and juggle multiple tasks. Ideal candidates will have:
- Master's degree in an academic discipline
- A broad understanding of the value of undergraduate research and creative inquiry as a model high-impact activity
- Experience mentoring/advising undergraduate students
- Project-management experience and project leadership skills
- Experience coordinating undergraduate learning experiences, project management, or teaching and advising undergraduates
- Experience with database and spreadsheet programs to include word processing and spreadsheet software
- Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills
This position is eligible for flexible work
Position Details:
Job Family: General Administration
Job Family Title: Sr. Program Specialist 1
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
ORP Eligible: No
Salary Range: Up to $55,000