Associate Director of Undergraduate Research Programs and Partnership

Job Description:

The Associate Director for Undergraduate Research Programs and Partnerships oversees and manages Trinity’s undergraduate research initiatives, with a focus on the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. This position collaborates with faculty and staff across campus to enhance undergraduate research initiatives, drive student and faculty engagement, and ensure program excellence. The Associate Director will lead efforts in professional development, data tracking, and program assessment, while supporting the Senior Director in strategic decision-making to grow and improve the undergraduate research experience at Trinity University.

JOB DUTIES

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

• Manages all aspects of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, including student recruitment, application processes, program logistics, and event planning (orientation, end-of-summer symposium, training).
• Collaborates with academic discipline leads to support the SURF application, selection, and award processes.
• Develops and executes an outreach and marketing plan to promote undergraduate research opportunities.
• Oversees program assessment efforts, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Supports additional research programs, including the Mach undergraduate research fund, during the academic year.

COMMUNICATIONS, PROMOTION, AND DATA ANALYSIS

• Marketing and Communications: Leads the development of communication strategies and outreach materials for promoting undergraduate research opportunities to students, faculty, and stakeholders. Ensures alignment with the university’s overall branding and diversity initiatives.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Designs systems to track and analyze data on undergraduate research participation, conference presentations, publications, and awards. Synthesizes and reports findings to internal and external audiences throughout the year to be highlighted in various platforms (newsletters, social media, website) and among various constituencies (donors, prospective students, admissions, Board of Trustees).

LEADERSHIP

• Oversees the SURF symposium budget, supervises staff and student workers, and participates in long-term planning and policy development for undergraduate research programs. Serves as a liaison to the proposed University Subcommittee on Undergraduate Research.
• Assists the Senior Director in managing and making decisions regarding budgeting for all undergraduate research initiatives.
• Collaborates with Senior Director to develop and deliver student and faculty professional development

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Complies with all Trinity University policies and guidelines.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field by starting and maintaining a professional network, regularly scanning the higher educational industry, and attending, as appropriate regional and national convenings and conferences.
• Serves on campus committees as directed by supervisor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.

Preferred: Graduate degree from an accredited institution in a related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, preferably in roles related to undergraduate research, student engagement, or academic program management
• Direct experience conducting independent or faculty-mentored research at the graduate or undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated experience conducting data analysis and using appropriate software to produce and interpret results.
• Demonstrated experience in major event planning, project management, and budgeting.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive research environment that promotes diversity, equity, and belonging for all students and faculty.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing high-impact programs for students and/or faculty in a higher education setting.
• Experience in developing and implementing outreach and marketing to drive attendance and participation in scheduled activities.
• Knowledge of national data, trends, and best practices in undergraduate research.
• Success in cultivating productive relationships with faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences.

Preferred:

• Previous experience mentoring undergraduates in research

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and public presentation skills.
• Knowledge of assessment methodologies and data collection and analysis techniques.
• Possess and understanding of undergraduate research across academic disciplines.
• Ability to help create a shared understanding of the year-round nature of Trinity’s undergraduate research program and to create new and creative ways to support faculty and students.
• Strong knowledge of computer software technology and ability and drive to learn new technology.
• Ability to effectively promote the value of undergraduate research experience to internal and external audiences through various methods and at diverse venues.
• Willingness to grow and develop in the role and increasingly take on greater amounts of complexity in responsibilities.