Associate Director for Research Development

Consult with Director to establish a robust research development program that supports multidisciplinary research on Latino communities and research that is consequential for all communities. Works closely with Latino Research Institute (LRI) affiliates and other UT Austin faculty and graduate students to pursue grants which align with the UT Austin's mission more broadly. Work with the Director and Associate Director of Research to strategically lead LRI research, programs, and grant management objectives.

Assists the Director in establishing a comprehensive grant management tracking platform that monitors all LRI grants and programs, including the areas of focus (e.g., AI, transportation, housing, education, labor participation, social engagement, public health, and safety), professional development, and research and social impact of grants. Work with the Director to produce metrics to articulate LRI's success for annual and ad hoc reporting.

Work closely with COLA and OVPR grant management teams on all pre and post grant management processes. Will provide faculty, students and key collaborators with ongoing grant opportunities that align with the LRI mission.

Serve as LRI's resident grants expert and provide timely and responsive support to researchers on a broad range of funding agency and university policies, procedures, and deadlines. Pursue and manage institutional/center grants to support LRI core operations and activities and expand institutional objectives and initiatives. Notify researchers of relevant policy initiatives and changes from the university and sponsors (e.g., indirect cost agreements, tuition increases, UT fringe rate policy, sponsors' fiscal policies, cost-share policies, conflict of interest policies, funding rules and regulations).

Consult with PIs throughout pre- and post-award phases to integrate key aspects of LRI institutional mission and strategic goals into grants. Develop protocol documents, documenting formal grant application submission policies and procedures for the LRI. Continually refine and update internal policies and procedures.

Lead the LRI pre-award management/proposal process and development. Identify and circulate grant opportunities concerning research of LRI affiliates and other UT Austin researchers. Assist LRI affiliated faculty, researchers, and other academic and staff personnel with proposal development, document and budget preparation, copy editing of proposal documents, and submission of funding applications to federal and private funding agencies. As appropriate, consult with PIs to strengthen their proposals through constructive feedback on scope of work, implementation plan, timelines and other proposal aspects.

As appropriate, advise PIs about existing resources that might complement their projects and strengthen their proposals. At the direction of the PI, serve as primary contact with sub-award entities during the pre-award application process and throughout the post-award period. Review sponsor guidelines, university and external policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

Lead the LRI post-award management. Provide oversight and ensure compliance during grant implementation, including assistance with progress reports; funding extensions; amendments, grant close-outs; facilitation of grant transfers, contracts, purchases, budget and SOW modifications, sub-award invoices, and overall expense management. Hold regular meetings with PIs and relevant LRI staff to monitor grant performance, establish best practices, and consider future opportunities.

Participate in LRI and COLA staff meetings as relevant to position. Continually upgrade knowledge and skills through active membership in UT's Association of Research Administrators, classes, workshops, committees, and other training opportunities.

Serve as primary departmental contact for the College Research Support Office (RSO), the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), COLA and UT Foundation Relations, and the Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors (OVPR) to facilitate timely, accurate, and complete proposal submission and post-award information requests. Serve as liaison between researchers and OSP; communicate with OSP reviewers, negotiators, and award administrators.

Supervise the Academic Program Coordinator. Coordinate LRI activities with the Director and initiatives. Facilitate communication between LRI and other college offices. Assist the Director in…