Mississippi State University

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Director, Social Science Research Center
Mississippi State University

Position Function:
Mississippi State University invites applications for the Director of the Social Science Research Center (SSRC) who will provide administrative and leadership responsibility for the development and conduct of social science research at the university level and has the obligation and responsibility to oversee and execute the mission of the SSRC. Housed on the main MSU campus, the SSRC encompasses multiple projects and locations across the state of Mississippi with 13 laboratories and units employing over 250 people. This 12-month appointment reports to the Vice Presidents of the Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine. Tenure in an academic department may be available.

Department Profile:
The SSRC was established at Mississippi State University in 1950 to promote, enhance, and facilitate social science research and related scholarly activities. The SSRC is committed to 1) conducting objective, rigorous and unbiased research on social, economic, political, human resource, and social-environmental problems facing the state, nation and world; 2) providing a support system for the university to plan, develop, secure funding for, and conduct social research on problems of interest to the scientific community and to consumers of research findings; 3) maintaining a mechanism whereby existing social science research capabilities in the university can be matched with funding sources; 4) contributing to the university's graduate and undergraduate program by involving students in research projects through assistantships and other work arrangements; and 5) offering a vehicle for unique social research and public service programs that do not fit more traditional academic structures.

The Center recognizes the importance of combining the expertise and capacities of multiple institutions, disciplines, and professions in addressing complex problems. To this end, state-of-the-art units and laboratories have been established within the center, including the Survey Research Lab, Data Science for the Social Sciences Lab, Gender Impacts Lab, Tobacco Control Unit, and the Evaluation and Research Group, among others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide vision and leadership for the SSRC.
2. Monitor and evaluate programmatic and operational effectiveness; identify areas needing improvement; develop strategic planning measures to effect change and improvements.
3. Develop and manage annual budgets for the organization; identify, secure, and administer program funding from a variety of sources (e.g., state, federal, and private entities).
4. Facilitate, promote, and support the work of multiple independent researchers affiliated with the Center, while nurturing cross-sector collaboration and diversity of expertise, ideas, and disciplines.
5. Promote the SSRC and the university in local, state, and national settings with government agencies, foundations, and other entities.
6. Design, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the organization's goals and objectives; oversee recruitment, training, mentoring, supervision, and evaluation of Center staff.
7. Ensure compliance with relevant federal, state, and University regulations and accreditation standards as they relate to operating policies and procedures.
8. Participate in the development of University policies and procedures, serving on planning and policy-making committees at the university, state, and national levels.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in relevant field
• Extensive experience with funded research
• 4+ years of management experience

Preferred Qualifications:
• Administrative experience at a university-based research center
• Established record of successful interdisciplinary research in a PI or administrator role
• Ability to mentor new and established faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates
• Experience working with state and public agencies and foundations
• Understanding of applied and policy-relevant research
• Strong focus on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience managing large budgets with transparency
• Ability to support the land-grant mission of the institution

Instructions for Applying:
Applicants should submit a letter of interest expressing their interest in the position, unique qualifications, and vision for directing the SSRC along with a curriculum vitae and contact information for 3-5 professional references. Applicants must complete the Personal Data Information form found at www.jobs.msstate.edu. For more information about this position and the SSRC contact Devon Brenner at devon@research.msstate.edu or 662-325-3570 or visit the SSRC website (https://ssrc.msstate.edu/). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon funding availability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.