Job Details

Associate Dean for Research, College of Social Work

Position Number: 6587129
Location: Lexington, KY
Position Type: Deans - Other

The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky (UK) seeks an experienced social science scholar and research administrator to serve as their next Associate Dean for Research. The Associate Dean will serve as the primary leader for the development and conduct of research within the College of Social Work (CoSW). They will conceptualize and lead the implementation of the college's strategic research vision, which includes fostering a robust culture of research predicated on consistent faculty and student development, intentional investment in research infrastructure, mutual support, and rigorous evaluation.

The University of Kentucky (UK) is a leading public research institution with over 75 centers and institutes driving innovative, multidisciplinary research. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate to address complex social challenges—such as child welfare, substance use, inequality, and health disparities—through community-based, evidence-driven approaches. The College of Social Work (CoSW) plays a central role, advancing translational research and practice that promote individual and community well-being. CoSW has seen tremendous growth in its impact by expanding its degree programs in social work and criminal justice and through significant expansion in both enrollment and extramural research funding. CoSW with over 350 full- and part-time faculty and staff and more than 2,300 students, excels in research, teaching, and community engagement, operating both in Lexington and at a satellite campus in San Antonio.

Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Research will be a vital and recognized part of the CoSW leadership team. The Associate Dean will oversee the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and will have direct reports and supports, including the opportunity to conceptualize and search for an Assistant Dean for Research. The Associate Dean works in collaboration with the Dean, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Assistant Dean for Research, Director of Centers and Labs, College Project Manager Senior, faculty, staff, and students, among others, to carry out the college's mission and goals. As well as serving as a member of the CoSW Leadership Team, the ADR serves as an ex-officio member of the college's Research Committee.

The ideal candidate should have an attitude and ethic consistent with providing support and consultation to CoSW researchers, an earned doctorate, and an outstanding research record commensurate with an Associate Professor or full Professor. The Associate Dean should have at least two years of administration or management experience or a history of progressively responsible administrative/leadership positions. Additionally, the candidate should have experience as a principal investigator for competitive research grants or demonstrated success in attracting support for research from the private sector, along with a commitment to ensuring diverse representation of people, processes, methodologies, and content areas.

Candidates should provide a resume or CV and letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile.

Please direct all nominations and inquiries to Rob Springall and Ethan Robles using the WittKieffer Candidate Portal or via email at KentuckyCoSWADR@wittkieffer.com.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.