Research Project Director

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

• Location:
  
  Athens Area
• Salary: $55,006 - $82,509
• Schedule:
  
  Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
• Employment Type:
  
  Employee
• Contract Type:
  Exempt
• Full/Part time:
  Full Time
• Benefits Eligibility:
  Benefits Eligible
• Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP
• Classification
  
  Title:
  
  Res Assc-Social Science IV
• FLSA:
  Exempt
• FTE: 1.00

This position serves as the Research Project Director and recognized subject matter expert for a statewide initiative to implement, pilot test, evaluate, and demonstrate a standardized assessment process for individuals seeking intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) waiver services. The Research Project Director has primary responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the initiative, including supervising professional project staff; managing project resources and budgets;

directing implementation, research and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, training, and quality assurance activities; and exercising broad authority to establish project priorities and resolve programmatic and implementation issues. This individual serves as the primary programmatic liaison with state leadership and external partners and provides expert guidance on assessment, implementation, evaluation, training, and continuous quality improvement related to IDD waiver access. The Research Project Director also leads the development of reports, presentations, funding proposals, and other scholarly and technical products and has primary responsibility for identifying and developing future funding opportunities that support the continuation and expansion of this work.

This position is grant funded and expected to end one year after the hire date of the employee. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding.

Terminal degree in a relative discipline and 8 years of professional experience to include 5 years of formal post‑degree work

• Doctoral degree in the social sciences or related field, or an equivalent combination of advanced education and experience coordinating research projects.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with university, state agency, and community partners.

• Demonstrated expertise in applied research, program evaluation, and project leadership, including the ability to independently direct complex, multi‑faced research, evaluation, and implementation initiatives and establish programmatic priorities.
• Advanced knowledge of research and program evaluation methodologies and demonstrated subject matter expertise relevant to intellectual and developmental disabilities, assessment, service systems, or related areas, with the ability to provide expert guidance to project staff, state agencies, and external partners.
• Demonstrated leadership and…