Assistant Under Secretary for Research Programs and Partnerships

The Assistant Under Secretary for Research Programs and Partnerships is responsible for the programmatic and fiscal oversight of Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Research pan-Institutional programs such as MarineGEO, ForestGEO, and the Resilience Initiative. Facilitates the development and management of new projects between and within units and connect key science units and Smithsonian offices (International Relations, Public Affairs, Sponsored Projects, Advancement), as necessary to achieve strategic objectives. Maps and maintains all significant research partnerships with external organizations, including NGOs and other U.S. government agencies. Seeks outside partnerships and opportunities, both nationally and internationally with other scientific institutions, government agencies, NGOs, among others.

Serves as the primary liaison to the Office of Sponsored Projects and the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. They will be responsible for research compliance, research integrity, and Smithsonian’s export compliance program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership of Assigned Functions

Responsible for the successful pursuit of the objectives laid out by the Secretary and the Board of Regents for those organizations and/or functions under their purview. Reviews and evaluates the quality and consistency of policies, programs, and operations to ensure improvement.

Responsible for ensuring that pan-Institutional research programs are aligned with and implementing overall Smithsonian strategy, goals, and objectives. Serves as an advisor to the Under Secretary for additional programmatic activities within their purview.

Leads in mapping, stewarding, and initiating partnerships with major Smithsonian (SI)  research partners. Maintain and coordinate Memorandums of Understanding/Agreement.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties for all direct reports. Responsible for all human resources and time and attendance supervisory requirements, including recruitment, performance management, discipline, leave, timecard and travel approval, etc. Supports the Institution’s equal employment and diversity activities and ensures the support of such polices in subordinate organizations.

In accordance with the Under Secretary, formulates budgetary initiatives, determines priorities, and recommends Trust and Federal budget allocations in support of programmatic activities and authorizes the allocation of resources among subordinate organizations.

Research Programmatic Oversight

Serves as a principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Science and Research on research and interdisciplinary support-related policies, programs and activities of the Institution.

Supervises research compliance function and serves as Research Integrity lead.

Advises the Under Secretary in the development of the conceptual research and science vision for the Smithsonian. Helps develop associated materials, communicate the needs of the Smithsonian science and research community, and helps provide information about the Smithsonian’s science and research programs to interested stakeholders.

Leads or participates in studies or projects of high priority and sensitivity to the Under Secretary. This may require review of policies, planning documents, operational guidelines, domestic and international collaboration agreements, and other related materials.

Partnerships Oversight

Creates and maintains partnership maps, and identifies other potential new partners representing diverse sectors (academic, governmental and non-governmental organizations, among others).

Conducts key partner outreach; plans and directs programs to identify opportunities for Smithsonian science participation in collaborative research, symposia, exhibitions and publications; and coordinates discussions, communications and negotiations concerned with these activities.

Assesses potential internal collaboration opportunities. Initiates and maintains contacts with target partners to identify future funding opportunities. They will be proactive in relationship/partnership building among various individual scientists/staff, Smithsonian leadership, as well as external partners.

Representation Functions

As directed, represents the Institution in dealing with commissions, advisory boards, federal agencies, foreign governments, and private and professional organizations on matters related to pan-Institutional research programs.

When designated, serves as alternate for the Under Secretary for Science and Research.

Facilitates communications and works as a liaison between the Under Secretary and other organizations or individuals at SI in order to implement or improve SI pan-institutional initiatives and/or operations.

Exhibits a deep understanding of the issues involved in research and/or scholarly work. Demonstrates a scholarly career and may maintain their existing research and/or scholarly efforts on a time-available basis.  

To apply for this position, please go to USAJOBS - Job Announcement .  Only applications received through USAJobs will be considered.