Re: qualifications for research admin Jackie Givens 10 Apr 2003 14:55 EST
I'd like to add my two cents worth. Three years ago we added an Associate Dean for Research and Sponsored Programs (Ph.D.) level position to the OSP with a Director (masters degree) under that person. The associate dean was in this position for two years, and actually had a dual appointment with Chemistry department, though he was 100% effort in the Office of Sponsored Programs. For the chemistry people who had a relationship with him, through attendance at department meetings, they thought it was great . . .he was one of them, and understood them completely, and what they were up against in submitting proposals. In reality, he and the Director had the exact same responsibilities. That person has since moved on and we now have a Director and Associate Director, OSP, both with Masters degrees. Ten years ago I was told by administration here that I could not become a Director (was then a Coordinator who had established the OSP at this institution) unless I had a masters degree. I had to pay my dues. So I did that. And was subsequently promoted. I absolutely agree there is this mentality at a higher ed institution. All this to say . . . that the value added for a Ph.D. was not really there, and we figured we could (and did) get a person for $30,000 less with the qualifications necessary for this office, most importantly . . . a high service orientation, ability to rewrite proposals and develop budgets (most called upon talents) , along with an indepth knowledge of grants and contracts policies and procedures. When you get down to it, faculty gain a quick respect for anyone who can help them develop a competitive proposal. Initially . . . the Ph.d may hold some weight, but where/when the rubber meets the road . . . and faculty see first hand the expertise available to them, they could care less what letters you have behind your name. Jackie the >>> xxxxxx@GWU.EDU 04/08/03 04:21PM >>> rebecca- yes, the degree is absolutely necessary in an academic environment, and, even though the position is assistant director, i'd put the minimum at a master's. furthermore, i'd want to see 8-10 years experience in steadily more responsible research admin positions, with supervisory experience as well as experience in the specific areas for which this person will have responsibilties. susan -- Susan B. Burke Information Specialist Office of Research Services The George Washington University 2121 I Street NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC 20052 Telephone: 202-994-9136 Facsimile: 202-994-9137 ====================================================================== Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") ====================================================================== Jacqueline Givens Director, Office of Sponsored Programs Kennesaw State University 1000 Chastain Road, #0111 Kennesaw, Georgia 30144-5591 PHONE: (770) 423-6036 FAX: (770) 499-3620 WEBSITE: http://www.kennesaw.edu/osp ====================================================================== Instructions on how to use the RESADM-L Mailing List, including subscription information and a web-searchable archive, are available via our web site at http://www.hrinet.org (click on "Listserv Lists") ======================================================================