Associate Director of Research-College of Social Work Office of Research- UTK

The College of Social Work Office Research Administration (CSWORA) within the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a research center that works with federal grants, government, nonprofits and across university departments. The Associate Director of Research provides strategic leadership in designing, conducting, and managing research initiatives that align with the Program for Pet Health Equity’s mission to improve pet family health equity, including access to veterinary care and other essential services. This position is responsible for developing a long-term research agenda, overseeing research projects, managing the research team, ensuring regulatory compliance, and securing external funding.

Research Leadership & Agenda Development :

• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on externally funded research projects.
• Develop and implement a strategic research agenda focused on One Health, social determinants   of health, and access to veterinary care.
• Lead innovative research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies
• Develop and submit IRB applications for research projects requiring human subjects’ approval.
• Ensure continuous compliance with IRB protocols and oversee annual reporting requirements.
• Train research staff on ethical research standards.

Research Project Management & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor the research team (e.g., Research Associates, Analysts, Graduate Assistants).
• Manage multiple concurrent research projects, ensuring deliverables align with organizational priorities.
• Lead secondary data analysis efforts, including literature reviews and policy evaluations.

Grant Development & Fundraising

• Identify and apply for funding opportunities from federal agencies, private foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Collaborate with College of Social Work staff on grant-writing and reporting.

Data Collection, Analysis, & Reporting

• Design and implement data collection instruments (surveys, interviews, focus groups).
• Analyze data using statistical and qualitative research methods to generate actionable insights.
• Prepare research reports, white papers, and peer-reviewed publications.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Doctoral Degree or equivalent in public health, veterinary medicine, social sciences, health policy or related field
• Experience:
  • 5 years of research leadership experience
  • 3 years experience supervising and managing a team
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
• Expert-level knowledge of public opinion research and survey research methodologies, with a strong background in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform policy and program development.
• Advanced knowledge in social science research and program evaluation methodologies, with demonstrated success in assessing and improving program outcomes.
• Extensive knowledge of IRB submission and compliance protocols, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements in human subjects research.
• Extensive knowledge of budget management principles, state and federal funding limitations, uniform guidance, and grant/contract administration, ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with partners and funders.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: 
  • 5+ years of proven leadership in research administration with experience managing complex research programs, overseeing project teams, and guiding organizational research priorities.  
  • 5+ years of demonstrated success in securing and managing major grants, 
  • 5+ years of experience with contract negotiation and grant writing, leading to sustained funding for research initiatives.
  • 5+ years of experience in program evaluation, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to assess impact and drive continuous improvement. Previous experience working with an animal welfare organization
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 
  • Demonstrated skill in data visualization 
  • Experience presenting evaluation/research findings
  • Demonstrated skill with spatial analysis
  • CITI Certified

 

Work Location 

• Location:  Remote option