One of the oldest committees within NORDP, the Strategic Alliances Committee (SAC) is a driving force behind the growth and development of research development professionals. We invite you to explore this group that builds strong organizational relationships across all facets of the research enterprise.
SAC volunteers promote and enhance interactions between NORDP and external entities, which include professional organizations within the research enterprise, government and private agencies, and international groups. The committee’s mission is to “build and support relationships that drive membership growth, foster professional development, and strengthen advocacy and stakeholder relations.”
In the process, SAC positions NORDP as an engaged and respected professional organization with avenues for membership growth. To do so, we take a dual perspective that recognizes the importance of both outward and inward-facing actions.
NORDP → WORLD: SAC disseminates NORDP members’ expertise to benefit the global research enterprise. In doing so, we assist in promoting the organization across the world, and advocate for a collective voice for research development excellence.
WORLD → NORDP: SAC brings valuable insights and information back to NORDP and its members. We help NORDP strategies align with the ever-evolving landscape of RD, ensuring that our organization remains at the forefront of the global research enterprise. This work also helps RD professionals at all levels have a bird’s-eye view of the field, contributing to their professional growth.
What We Do: Notable accomplishments in support of research development include:
- Establishing funding for the Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) Fellows in 2022
- Leveraging a partnership with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) to secure funding for research development growth at Historically Black Colleges and Universities in 2021
- Actively participating in EU-US Science and Technology and European Commission Horizon 2020 meetings
- Developing guidance documents to promote strategic outreach, such as the NORDP Rules of Engagement with Federal Employees in 2013
- Advocating for NORDP’s bid to host the 2027 International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS) conference
SAC Liaisons: Liaisons are are specifically tasked with advocating for research development to external organizations and associations, in turn providing an invaluable service to NORDP members by gathering and sharing useful information as part of a broad, strategic outreach program. Visit SAC’s Liaisons webpage to see a list of existing liaisons.
The role of each liaison depends on the target organization and NORDP leadership goals as well as the skills and experience that an individual liaison brings to the position. Liaison duties and roles are assigned by SAC and approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis. Typical duties for liaisons include:
- Serving as a point of contact between NORDP and the targeted organization or key subgroups.
- Monitoring developments and activities at the targeted organization and sharing that information with NORDP’s membership through reports shared through NORDP’s various communication channels.
- Increasing the visibility of RD generally, and NORDP specifically, among these targeted organizations; for example, by delivering relevant webinars, presenting at conferences, and contributing to thought pieces. email, webinars, conferences, discussions, posters, and presentations.
With NORDP Board approval, some liaisons interact with their target organization’s leadership to determine how NORDP’s mission can complement mutual interests such as: promoting alternative career paths within academia, increasing national and international research collaborations, building multidisciplinary research teams among diverse groups of individuals, and advocating for the global research enterprise.
Liaisons serve a minimum of three years, are asked to participate in a 30-minute monthly meeting with other liaisons, and encouraged to set goals with the Liaison Manager. Individuals with at least two years of NORDP membership may apply (although some liaison positions have additional requirements) . Liaison applications are reviewed by the SAC chairs and approved by the Board of NORDP. Upon acceptance, liaisons are provided with useful resources to begin their new roles. SAC considers individual requests to add new liaison organizations based on NORDP’s goals and evolving needs of NORDP members.
International Working Group (IWG): Many RD professionals work on international research funding opportunities and benefit from professional development opportunities to consult with experts in this area. Within SAC, the International Working Group meets monthly to discuss international research issues, such as NIH’s new policy regarding reporting requirements for international collaborators. The IWG actively promotes NORDP within the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS), work that attracts new members from across the world, strengthens relationships with others in the field, and delivers global RD perspectives, relationships, and best practices to US-based RD professionals.
How to Get Involved: Join SAC to become part of a dynamic team that is passionate about RD and:
- Advocate for the field of research development
- Catalyze activities that advance the profession
- Serve as a liaison between NORDP and external organizations
- Elevate your professional profile
- Contribute to strategic thinking and intelligence gathering
Join us in shaping the future of research development at NORDP! For more information and to get involved, contact one of the SAC Committee Chairs: Karen Eck at keck@odu.edu, Gretchen Kiser at gretchen.kiser@ucsf.edu, or Sharon Pound at spound@utk.edu.
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