Position Function:
The National Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Center (NSPARC) at Mississippi State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Special Research Operations. This role is responsible for supporting the development and execution of unique, often complex research initiatives, ensuring that these special projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with research objectives. The position requires strong analytical skills, project management expertise, budgeting and resource allocation abilities, and proficiency in navigating varied research methodologies. This position will work closely with researchers, stakeholders, and administrative teams to drive high-impact research efforts that often involve multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative problem-solving, and advanced data analysis. The Assistant Director will also lead the development and submission of research proposals to secure funding for future special projects.
Salary Grade: 18
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Oversee the design, planning, and execution of special research projects, ensuring alignment with center priorities and funding requirements, where applicable. Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure efficient completion of multiple concurrent initiatives.
2. Work with the Executive Director and other designated senior center leadership to strategically align special research projects with NSPARC’s long-term goals.
3. Develop standardized procedures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project execution and evaluate research project outcomes to assess impact, effectiveness, and areas for future improvement.
4. Lead and oversee applied research projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines, research objectives, and deliverables. Manage multiple concurrent research initiatives while maintaining quality, efficiency, and compliance with funding requirements, ensuring all completed work aligns with center standards, guidelines, and policies.
5. Develop and implement research designs, ensuring the use of appropriate quantitative and qualitative methodologies for each project. Conduct data analysis, interpretation, and reporting, while overseeing the development of research models, frameworks, and technical approaches to support research initiatives.
6. Communicate research findings and outcomes clearly through written reports, presentations, and executive summaries. Serve as a primary point of contact for external clients, funding agencies, and research partners.
7. Identify research funding opportunities and lead the development and submission of grant proposals, contracts, and sponsored research applications. Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop competitive funding proposals aligned with NSPARC’s research strengths and the Executive Director’s strategic direction.
8. Collaborate with center executives, senior managers, project managers, and business office personnel to meet reporting requirements. Collect and prepare information for internal and external reports to ensure accurate project documentation.
9. Supervise research staff, postdoctoral research associates, graduate assistants, and student researchers, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities. Ensure compliance with ethical research standards, university policies, and federal/state regulations. Evaluate the performance of direct reports and recommend personnel actions as needed.
10. Perform related duties as assigned to support the overall mission and objectives of the center.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree with focus in Sociology, Economics, or closely related field.
Five (5) years experience in Applied research, project management and research leadership.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s or Ph.D in Sociology, Economics, or Closely related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to lead and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate unique research challenges.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into practical applications.
• Knowledge of research compliance, grant management, and institutional policies.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; irregular hours may be required; meeting deadlines and coordination of related activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
• Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants should complete online application at explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and upload a cover letter and current resume.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
