Director of Research Security and Compliance

Wichita State University (WSU), the premier urban-serving, public research university in Kansas, seeks a dynamic leader and seasoned administrator to serve as the Director of Research Security and Compliance. Founded in 1895, Wichita State has a keen focus on student success, powerful industry partnerships, and innovative faculty and scholars conducting cutting-edge applied research in state-of-the-art facilities. It is a growth-minded university where collaboration and groundbreaking ideas shape the future, with an entrepreneurial spirit embedded in its foundation. 

Since 2010, Wichita State University has been one of the fastest-growing research universities in the United States. Currently designated as a “High Research Activity” institution, Wichita State is strategically moving towards the “Very High Research Activity” Carnegie classification. Considerably strengthening research awards in the last several years has moved Wichita State far beyond the threshold of an R1 classification, and the university is now concentrating on increasing the number of PhD graduates. The City of Wichita is a manufacturing and aeronautics powerhouse with one of the highest per capita concentration of engineers in the country. The university community enjoys mutually beneficial partnerships with strong regional and national corporate and governmental organizations through numerous Wichita State initiatives, including the Innovation Campus and the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). 

Reporting to Executive Vice President for Research and Industry and Defense Programs, the Director will shape a trusted, centralized compliance framework that balances rigorous regulatory adherence with an innovative research culture that supports high-risk, cutting-edge projects, many involving key industry and government partners. The Director will be expected to (1) understand the diverse needs of researchers and research support staff across the university, (2) serve as a partner and educator around research compliance matters, (3) facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge amongst researchers and research support staff, (4) develop protocols that strike a balance between efficiency and effective compliance, and (5) work collaboratively with the broader Office of Research, IDP, and related research units. 

Wichita State University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in the recruitment of the new Director. Inquiries, referrals, and CVs accompanied by a cover letter should be submitted below.

Jackie Mildner is leading this search with Courtney Cabansag and Pamela Carty.

Wichita State University (WSU) does not discriminate in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. WSU also prohibits retaliation against any person making a complaint of discrimination or against any person involved or participating in the investigation of any such allegation. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, other federal law, and WSU policy.