Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in the School of Public Policy at the University of Connecticut seeks applicants for a Director of Research. IMRP and the School of Public Policy are both based at the UConn Hartford Campus.

Under the direction of the Director of the IMRP, the Director of Research is responsible for research coordination and reporting of IMRP projects as well as assisting in the creation of new research opportunities. The Director of Research will also hold the position of Assistant or Associate Research Professor in the School of Public Policy and will be given the option of teaching an undergraduate or graduate course in the School of Public Policy. In the capacity linked to their faculty appointment, they will report to the director of the School of Public Policy.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading research projects, managing the operation and day-to-day research activities of these projects, acting independently to enhance and diversify research projects, and ensuring data integrity, security, and best practices. The primary focus of this job is on the design, organization, implementation, and management of the project-based research of the IMRP.

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) is a non-partisan, University-based organization dedicated to enriching the quality of local, state, and national public policy. The IMRP aspires to be a respected and visible presence throughout the State of Connecticut, known for its ability to promote, develop and implement just, effective public policy. The IMRP accomplishes this through a variety of targeted approaches such as: public education and dialogue; published reports, articles, and policy papers; pilot program design, implementation, and oversight; and the facilitation of collaborations between the University, government, private organizations, and the general community. In doing so, the IMRP bridges the divide between academia, policymakers, practitioners, and the community.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Leading, organizing, and managing current and new research activities of the Institute.
• Providing project leadership in research opportunities and organizing resources to respond to governmental agencies and outside organizations' research calls.
• Creating internal and external partnerships; and serving as a resource to governmental and non-governmental organizations on matters related to the Institute’s research projects and activities.
• Establishing and managing a culture of research compliance to help assure that research is conducted in accordance with state, federal, UConn, and sponsoring agencies’ policies, regulations, and ethical mandates and procedures.
• Assisting and managing the presentation of information and research to Commissions, Councils, Committees of the Legislature, Boards of Directors, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Conducting and/or managing data analysis as needed for research projects conducted by IMRP.
• Managing graduate students and research associates as assigned by the IMRP Director.
• Submitting and presenting research at state, regional, and national professional and scholarly conferences.
• Other research duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of the Institute.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ph.D. degree in public policy, economics, sociology, public administration, political science, or a related field.
2. A minimum of 3 years of applied or scholarly research experience.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, administrators as well as internal and external partners, and the public.
4. Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in conducting equity-based policy research or relevant research.
2. Experience with funded research projects.
3. Experience working in a university setting.
4. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with numerous community partners.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 11-month position with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2022. Salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful candidate’s appointment will be on the Hartford campus.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21567 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research and scholarship statement,
• Commitment to diversity statement,
• A sample of an applied research project report or a scholarly research article; and
• Names and contact information for three (3) references.

Evaluation of applicants will begin on April 30, 2022, and continue until the position is filled. For more information regarding the IMRP please visit the website at https://imrp.dpp.uconn.edu/. Any questions about the position may be sent to imrp@uconn.edu.  

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This job will be filled subject to funding availability.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.