Director of Research

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Minimum qualifications:

A Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field with technical expertise in research methods, plus experience as a researcher or similar role.

Preferred qualifications:

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) D., along with work experience in program administration or project management.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Working in conjunction with the Center Director and Center staff, the Research Director will:

• Leadership: The Director of Research monitors the progress and timelines of all research projects, manages the logistics of Center research projects, and supervises staff and student researchers involved in the projects. This includes guiding project design, data collection, and analysis while ensuring team members meet project goals and timelines;

• Participant and Community Engagement: The Director of Research is the primary contact for study participants and other stakeholders associated with the Center's research projects;

• Grant Proposals and Management: Along with the Center Director, the Director of Research will lead efforts to secure grant funding for Center projects through grant writing, cultivating donor relationships, and collaborating with university and external stakeholders. The Director of Research is responsible for all reporting to donors, sponsors, and grantors;

• Research Design and Management: The Director of Research designs and implements research studies based on applicable theory, comprehensive literature reviews, reliable methodology, specific objectives, and research questions. When necessary, the Direct of Research coordinates with interdisciplinary consultants to design research projects;

• Data Collection: The Research Director is responsible for collecting data using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, including but not limited to observations, questionnaires, interviews, or experiments;

• Data Analysis: The Director of Research is responsible for the data analysis and interpretation of the Center's empirical research projects. When necessary, the Direct of Research coordinates with interdisciplinary consultants to complete data analysis.

• Data Reporting: The Research Director will work with the Center Director to prepare and draft conclusions and recommendations based on the Center's research data in peer-reviewed journals, legal scholarship, public reporting, presentations, and reports. The Director of Research also oversees the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and reports;

• Manage Student Workers: The Director of Research provides daily supervision of law student and graduate student research assistants as necessary, including research assignments and team meetings. The Director of Research will lead student training, scheduling, and other necessary managerial duties, and work with the Center Director and university staff to facilitate student hiring;

• Compliance: Along with the Center Director, the Director of Research manages compliance with university rules governing research, such as the rules and policies of the UA Little Rock Institutional Review Board and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The Director of Research ensures all Center research complies with ethical rules, guidelines, and regulations;

• Manage Research Project Finances: The Director of Research will work with the university's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the law school's Finance Director to prepare expenses, track expenses, and maintain the budgets of the Center's research projects. The Director of Research prepares preliminary budgets for grant applications and maintains budget projections as needed;

• Fundraising and Development: The Director of Research coordinates with consultants and external experts as necessary to support the Center's projects, building and maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders to advance the Center's goals. The Research Director will assist in creating marketing, promotional materials, and social media content for the Center as needed;

• Public Outreach and Communication: The Director of Research may represent the Center at conferences, workshops, and public events to present the Center's work and research projects. The Research Director will assist with event planning, conferences, Continuing Legal Education workshops, and community outreach events across the State of Arkansas;

• Travel: The Director of Research will travel as needed to conduct and facilitate the Center's research projects, including site visits, observations, trainings, meetings with research collaborators, donors, and grantors;

• Provide Other Assistance: The Director of Research will provide other assistance as necessary to support the Center.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technical knowledge of empirical methods and empirical theory;

• Excellent writing skills;

• Ability to prioritize projects and manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and meeting deadlines;

• Ability to work with and maintain confidential information;

• Ability to work independently;

• Excellent listening skills and verbal and written communication skills;

• Excellent problem-solving skills;

• Excellent financial management, grant management, and budgeting skills;

• Ability to work well with attorneys, students, interdisciplinary scholars, donors, grantors, community stakeholders, university administrators, and the public;

• Familiarity with the local legal community;

• Proficiency in using office software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Gmail, Google Docs);

• Proficiency in using data analysis software such as Atlas.ti;

• Familiarity with Workday.

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.