About RAMP
Welcome to Duke University School of Medicine and School of Nursing Research Administration Mentoring Program (RAMP). The Duke School of Medicine and School of Nursing are dedicated to assisting employees reach their full potential, and are excited to roll out this new initiative in support of that goal. The RAMP provides a unique career development opportunity for Grants and Contracts Administrators or Research Administrators to gain valuable experience through participation in a mentoring relationship with senior staff. This program is one of many tools available to Duke Employees who are seeking to advance their careers and enhance their working relationships.
We believe that Mentees and Mentors will find their experience mutually beneficial. Mentees will gain invaluable insight and advice from seasoned professionals. Mentors will refine their leadership and coaching skills while giving back to the research administration community while developing a deeper understanding of issues facing fellow colleagues. It is our hope that this mentoring program will serve as a catalyst for future growth and ultimately benefit the Duke community at large.
The Duke School of Medicine and School of Nursing Research Administration Mentoring Program is committed to the following guiding principles:
TRUSTWORTHINESS
RESPECT
DIVERSITY
LEARNING
TEAMWORK
Duke University School of Medicine and School of Nursing Research Administration Mentoring Program
Mission Statement : To facilitate the personal and professional development of high potential Duke SOM and SON Grants and Contracts Administrators and Research Administrators through the engagement of mentoring relationships with SOM/SON senior research administration personnel.
Goals of the Mentoring Program:
- Facilitate intra-organizational personal relationships
- Facilitate collaborative learning and knowledge sharing
- Promote individual development through the transfer of skills, expert knowledge and insight
- Emphasize and support Duke SOM Guiding Principles of Trustworthiness, Respect, Diversity, Learning and Teamwork
Benefits to Duke:
- Contribute to the development of high potential employees
- Promote retention of key contributors
- Elevate and improve the quality of work
- Result in a better-trained and engaged workforce
- Position the organization as innovative and forward-thinking
- Symbolize an investment the organization is making in its workforce
- Expand the knowledge base of the organization
- Develop and fast track high potential employees
- Serve as a means of succession planning in the organization
- Attract talent to the organization by providing opportunities for professional growth
Benefits to Mentees
- Gain knowledge and insight of the organization's culture and best practices
- Increase their confidence in job performance
- Expand their professional network
- Create a more positive work environment
- Receive important feedback about personal style or career skills
- Opportunity to build a relationship with a trusted advisor
- Improve and expand critical thinking about self, career and the organization
Benefits to Mentors
- Opportunity to share subject matter expertise
- Feel a sense of accomplishment and professional validation
- Rekindle a sense of purpose within the organization
- Opportunity to contribute in a unique way to the research administration community
- Develop coaching and mentoring skills while serving as a positive role model
- Establish relationships within the organization
Program Details
Mentor/Mentee: Mentees will be assigned to a Mentor based on the content of their application in order to foster the most positive relationship for both the Mentor and the Mentee.
Duration: The RAMP is a 3-month commitment. Participants are expected to engage fully in mentoring activities for this duration with limited interruption.
Frequency: During this time, mentors and mentees will meet at least 6 times for sessions lasting up to 90 minutes.
Location: Ideally, face-to-face meetings will occur. If necessary, virtual meetings may take place if mutually agreed upon in advance by both mentor and mentee.
Content: Mutually agreed upon SMART goals will be created. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.)
Termination: In the event that either party find the mentoring relationship unproductive and requests that it be terminated, both parties will honor that decision without question or blame.
Feedback: Mentees participating in the RAMP are encouraged to provide feedback to their direct supervisors on the development of their goals and outcomes at the end of the program.
Discretion: Any sensitive issues that are discussed will be held in strictest confidence.
Interested in being a mentee?
Candidates should be SOM/SON Grants and Contracts Administrators or Research Administrators (job level 81), who have time management skills to balance their current workload and the commitment needed to succeed within the mentor/mentee relationship. Someone who is motivated to succeed and has a positive attitude and is open-minded will make the best candidate. The mentee must be willing to learn from research administration leaders, and be independently driven to connect and network within the University.
Interested in being a mentor?
Ideal candidates are Research Administration Leaders, Business Managers, or other leaders within the School(s) who can draw from their own professional experience to contribute to the development of the mentee. Candidates must have time management skills to balance their current workload and the commitment needed to succeed within the mentor/mentee relationship. The mentor will be able to promote the needs and goals of the institution, communicate well, and have strong interpersonal skills, including being honest, trustworthy, enthusiastic and encouraging.
Don't worry! If now is not a good time for you to participate, there will be additional cohorts and additional application periods to apply in the future!
Questions can be directed to RAMP@dm.duke.edu. A member of the RAMP Committee will return your email as quickly as possible.