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Position Description

Applications due by 11:59 p.m. on October 21, 2024.

Date: September 2024
Business Title: Faculty Director for Postdoctoral Affairs
Department Name: Office of the Provost
Management Center: University General
Supervisor Name and Title: Deputy Provost

Position Objective

The Faculty Director for Postdoctoral Affairs provides leadership in the Office of the Provost for Postdoctoral Affairs and contributes to the quality and effectiveness of programming and support of postdoctoral fellows and scholars across the campus. The Office of Faculty Advancement and Postdoctoral Affairs is a new office that applies a lifespan approach to faculty development that begins with the postdoctoral experience.  As ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ expands our research enterprise, we anticipate growth in the number of postdoctoral fellows and scholars. This leader develops approaches to support and advance post-docs across the campus who engage in cutting-edge research and teaching and supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the success and career development of post-docs for those who seek careers in and outside of academic institutions.  

The Faculty Director collaborates with the Administrative Director for Faculty Advancement and Postdoctoral Affairs and with the Deputy Provost to plan, develop, manage and lead the operational functions and support programs for Postdoctoral Scholars and Fellows and implements the strategic goals and objectives of the office consistent with the long-term plan of the university’s research mission. The director provides oversight, guidance, and expertise to postdocs, staff and faculty on matters related to postdocs including employee relations issues, interpretation of policies, procedures and practices, and provides support and consultation in decision making on a varied range of employee concerns/issues. Providing faculty with training and resources to position them as impactful mentors for postdocs is a priority for this role. This new position is an exciting opportunity to create an innovative program that will provide postdocs with an exemplary platform from which to launch their long-term careers.

This position requires 50% effort and an appointment as an associate professor or professor at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ with a preference for those at the rank of professor.

Essential Functions

1. Together with the Administrative Director, provide centralized oversight of postdoctoral appointments and postdoctoral affairs for all ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ postdoctoral scholars and fellows. 
2. Serve as a mentor and advisor to postdocs to assist with navigating professional issues and challenges and provide direction to appropriate university resources as needed. Work with postdocs and supervisors as requested to help resolve conflicts, escalating as necessary. Guide supervisors through the positive corrective action process, grievance process and termination activities to resolution. Work with the deputy provost to resolve postdoc grievances.
3. Oversee annual performance review process for postdoctoral scholars and fellows. Provide guidance and recommendations to faculty mentors throughout the performance evaluation process to promote timely and meaningful goal setting, performance assessment, productive dialogue, and development planning for postdocs.
4. Advise the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Postdoctoral Association (PDA) to foster a productive and effective dialogue between the University and postdocs. Work in tandem with PDA leadership to coordinate professional development, fundraising, social events, and postdoc attendance at the annual conference. Attend all PDA and subcommittee meetings to provide guidance, oversight, and relevant university updates pertaining to the postdoc community.
5. Contribute to planning training programs and workshops on postdoc lifecycle issues, best practices, and procedures. 
6. Participate in the consideration of policy or procedural changes that impact postdoctoral fellows and scholars. Oversee outcomes assessment for all programs administered by the office impacting postdocs.

Nonessential Functions

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Contacts

Department: Regular contact with the Deputy Provost, Administrative Director of Faculty Advancement and Postdoctoral Affairs and other professionals in the office.
University: Regular contact with the deans, senior administrators in the schools, and faculty. 
External: Periodic contact with administrators and faculty leaders at other institutions. 
Students: Occasional contact with students.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

Experience: Full time associate or full professor at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Demonstrated success in teaching, research and service. Previous experience advising and supervising postdocs preferred.

Education/Licensing: A terminal degree (e.g. PhD EdD) is required.

Required Skills

1. Strong leadership abilities, fostering collaboration and collegiality.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to foster interpersonal relationships. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face. 
3. Sensitivity to diverse constituencies and inclusive conduct.
4. Commitment to high quality education and resources.
5. Excellent problem-solving skills. Demonstrated data-informed decision making and use of predictive analytic modeling.
6. Understanding of best practices and current trends in postdoc success.
7. Advocacy for equal employment opportunity and diversity.

Working Conditions

General office environment.

Submission Requirements

Candidates should submit 1) a cover letter that states interest in the position, experience in areas related to the role, and vision for the role, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) a list of four reference contacts. Please submit application materials as one, combined PDF to Lee Thompson at lat@case.edu. Please name your file "Last Name, First Name_Faculty Director for Postdoctoral Affairs"