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Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) - UTK
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Position Number: 6066396
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Deans - Other

Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 1434
Job Category: Academic
Posting Date: 02/27/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1122 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), the Assistant Dean for Research and Entrepreneurship (ADR) will play a critical role in driving CECS's mission to advance interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurial initiatives. CECS is a hub for academic innovation, dedicated to preparing students for emerging careers in rapidly evolving fields. The ADR will lead the development of a strategic vision that supports faculty and students in pursuing collaborative research while embedding entrepreneurship as a key component of CECS's approach to academic and career readiness.

This position requires a visionary leader who can champion research initiatives while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. The ADR will oversee the college's sponsored research programs, establish partnerships that expand entrepreneurial opportunities, and cultivate an environment where ideas can transform into impactful ventures. Success in this role will require a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, experience in fostering innovation, and a passion for integrating entrepreneurship into academic and research activities.

Responsibilities
1. Leadership in Research and Entrepreneurship

Conceptualize and lead CECS's strategic vision for a dynamic, collaborative research and entrepreneurship agenda.
Foster a research culture that promotes both traditional scholarly research and entrepreneurial endeavors, providing faculty and students with the tools and support needed to explore and develop new ideas.
Partner with the Dean and other CECS leaders to identify, develop, and fund initiatives that blend research and entrepreneurship, ensuring alignment with CECS's mission of academic innovation.
Serve as CECS liaison with ORIED and advocate for CECS partnerships across the campus.

2. Research Development and Support

Mentor CECS faculty, including both full-time and affiliated members, in research design, funding acquisition, and entrepreneurial strategy . Support assessment of CECS faculty for research productivity.
Oversee the CECS research budget and ensure strategic allocation of resources toward impactful, interdisciplinary projects.
Develop infrastructure and support systems for faculty and student research, such as workshops, resources for grantsmanship, and startup guidance for entrepreneurial projects.
Develop and manage research awards for faculty, students, and projects
Lead CECS's grant and fellowship initiatives, proactively identifying funding opportunities and assembling interdisciplinary teams for large-scale projects.
Support CECS faculty and affiliates with proposal submissions to ORIED including IRB support, budget development, narrative development, and grant management.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Outreach

Establish and maintain partnerships with other university units, as well as national and international institutions, to broaden the scope and impact of CECS's research and entrepreneurial activities.
Serve as the liaison between CECS and key offices such as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and relevant industry and community partners, including serving on relevant University committees. Collaborate with CECS and UTK Marketing and Communication teams to promote CECS's research achievements and entrepreneurial success stories.

4. Entrepreneurship Initiatives

Integrate entrepreneurship into CECS's academic and research framework, ensuring that students and faculty have pathways to transform research into viable, impactful solutions.
Develop and manage CECS's entrepreneurial programs, such as incubators or accelerators, that encourage students and faculty to pursue innovative ventures.
Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the success of entrepreneurial initiatives within CECS.
Work with the Dean and the Director of Partnerships to align entrepreneurship initiatives with CECS's collaborative research and industry engagement goals.
Contribute to CECS academic programs by working with the ADFA and ADAA in integrating research, scholarship, and entrepreneurship elements into the existing courses.

5. Fostering a Collaborative and Entrepreneurial Culture

Promote a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment by developing programs that support creative research, startups, and technology commercialization.
Build policies, practices, and networks that support interdisciplinary collaboration and foster a growth mindset among faculty, staff, and students.
Procure and manage resources-financial, technical, and advisory-to support entrepreneurial activities and research endeavors.
Create and support mentorship programs (e.g. RISE and PATH) that link experienced entrepreneurs and researchers with emerging faculty and student innovators.

Qualifications

Earned doctorate or equivalent in a relevant field and a record of distinguished research and/or entrepreneurial achievements.
Proven experience in securing funding from a variety of sources, including federal, state, and industry organizations.
Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary research programs, managing large-scale grants, and navigating federal compliance issues.
Familiarity with entrepreneurship principles, technology transfer, and academic-industry partnerships.
Exceptional problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic planning skills, with a track record of advocating for innovative academic and research initiatives.

This is a 12-month appointment.

To apply, please submit a resume/CV, letter of interest, and the contact information for three professional references.

About the College:

The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is at the forefront of changing the future of higher education. It is a first-of-its-kind college created to meet the needs of students seeking a customizable degree path in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and data science that leads to rewarding careers upon graduation. CECS offers timely, innovative, student-centric degrees, minors, and stackable certificates at both undergraduate and graduate levels that address the future talent gap and expose students to experts and disciplines from across campus through a cross-cutting curriculum. CECS utilizes strong industry partnerships to ensure students gain relevant skills and real-world experience, offering for-credit internships and multi-disciplinary projects. CECS emphasizes the cohort experience where students learn and interact with fellow students from across campus and disciplines, allowing them to learn from one another and work together to solve real-world problems.

Who We Are:

We are a small team of energetic, adaptable, and hardworking individuals committed to educational initiatives that will lead to meaningful careers for our students and a positive impact on society. Every member of our team is a valuable collaborator, driven entrepreneur, and proficient multi-tasker dedicated to working together to find innovative approaches to achieving our shared goals. We are fast-moving and growing. Our work is constantly evolving to meet changing needs.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are searching for a pathfinder, problem navigator, and strategy creator, who proactively works to make us more efficient and effective through teamwork and collaboration. We need an intentional learner with the intellectual resilience to tackle new challenges, welcoming uncertainty with a growth mindset. We need a seasoned professional, who exercises good judgment and can be trusted to provide sound counsel to colleagues and leadership. We need a teammate dedicated to our mission and who shares our values.

About Us
With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!
Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/1434/?mode=location