This chapter addresses the daily operation of an Engineering Research Center . Suggestions are based on common experiences shared by existing centers. However, there is no "right" way to manage an ERC. Major differences among institutions call for diverse management strategies; know your university environment and utilize only those suggestions most useful to you. Over time the model of a “typical” ERC has evolved from a single-university center, or an ERC located at one institution with collaborating universities, to multi-university partnership centers consisting of a lead institution with a number of significant but subordinate partner universities. Regardless of the organizational structure of the ERC, the totality of administrative requirements is essentially the same. Ideas, suggestions, and recommendations found in this chapter reflect the overall administrative needs of the ERC. Ultimate administrative and management responsibility and authority rest with the lead institution. However, the distribution of effort may be shared over several universities or among a number of individuals. "Tips" appear throughout the chapter; these are intended primarily for the Administrative Director (or AD). Specific tasks and responsibilities may vary from one ERC to another depending upon the management structure of the specific ERC, the university culture, the qualifications and personality of the AD, and the preferences of the Center Director. The tasks and responsibilities will also change over time. But in spite of this variability, considerable consistency is found among AD responsibilities. A generic job description is provided as an attachment to this chapter (see Attachment 1).

All ADs are strongly encouraged to attend the annual NSF-ERC meeting held in October/November. For many of us, these annual meetings provide a unique opportunity to build a resource network. Chances are good that you will find such networking to be essential to your success.

Tip : Don't miss the informal AD sessions at the ERC annual meeting! New administrative directors consistently name these informal meetings with their peers as the single most important orientation activity open to them. Welcome to the ERC community!

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