Anderson P. Smith
Research Compliance Education and Program Leadership Professional
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About
Research compliance education and program leadership professional with experience designing, scaling, and continuously improving university-wide compliance training, sponsored projects education, audit readiness support, and research administration initiatives. Skilled at translating complex institutional, federal, and sponsor requirements into accessible training, communication, documentation, and reporting systems that strengthen compliance culture and operational effectiveness. Experienced supporting research compliance functions across complex academic environments, including NSF Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research compliance efforts, effort reporting initiatives, sponsored projects training, stakeholder engagement, survey analysis, and process improvement.
Recognized for leading large-scale initiatives serving 10,000+ members of the research community annually, supporting a 99.99% effort reporting completion rate, and contributing to audit preparation resulting in virtually no findings.
Experience
Assistant Director of Research Compliance Education - Columbia University
(2022-07)
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of university-wide research compliance education programs serving more than 10,000 members of the research community annually across synchronous and asynchronous formats. Develop and maintain training initiatives that support institutional compliance, ethical research conduct, sponsor requirements, and research administration best practices. Partner with research administrators, compliance professionals, faculty, and institutional stakeholders to strengthen compliance readiness and promote adherence to federal, sponsor, and university requirements.
Analyze participation, completion, and engagement data to identify compliance risks, improve program effectiveness, and support institutional reporting efforts. Design and execute institutional surveys, assessments, and compliance-related reports, translating findings into actionable recommendations that support operational decision-making and continuous improvement. Lead the strategic development and implementation of the Sponsored Projects Certificate Program, strengthening institutional capacity in sponsored research administration, compliance, and policy interpretation for m
- Supported NSF Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) compliance review and audit preparation activities, contributing to a successful review with virtually no findings through effective documentation management, training oversight, reporting practices, and record maintenance.
- Supported university-wide Effort Reporting initiatives, helping achieve a 99.99% completion rate through strategic communications, stakeholder coordination, troubleshooting support, and reporting process improvement.
- Led development and implementation of the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR) Course, expanding institutional compliance and research administration education opportunities across the university.
- Developed and enhanced compliance-related educational programming, including mentoring initiatives, research ethics discussions, and research administration training designed to strengthen institutional research culture and professional responsibility.
- Implemented technology-enabled workflow improvements and reporting solutions that increased operational efficiency, strengthened data analysis capabilities, and enhanced program administration.
- Collaborated across research administration, compliance, and institutional leadership functions to support university-wide compliance initiatives, stakeholder engagement strategies, and organizational risk mitigation efforts.
Administrative Manager/Operations Manager - Columbia University
(2013-11 - 2022-07)
Managed administrative operations, budgeting, reporting, vendor coordination, procurement, and departmental processes in support of academic and research administration functions.
Chief Impact Officer / Director Access and Opportunity - Bookclubs.com (Formerly Bookclubz.com)
(2020-06 - 2021-03)
- Led the design and delivery of access and opportunity-centered programming and national speaker series focused on antiracism, identity, and community engagement
- Curated and facilitated multi-session learning experiences that engaged diverse audiences in dialogue across differences
- Collaborated with organizational leadership to align programming with broader mission, audience growth, and community impact goals
ERG Officer, Wellness Advocacy Group (Career Growth) - Southern New Hampshire University – Global Campus
(2026-04)
- Lead strategic career development initiatives within the Wellness Advocacy Group (WAG), aligning employee growth efforts with institutional priorities related to engagement, retention, and belonging.
- Partner with cross-functional leadership to design and implement programs that support professional development and sustainable career pathways.
- Translate employee feedback and engagement data into actionable recommendations that inform organizational practices and culture.
- Facilitate leadership development programming focused on mentorship, communication, and wellness-centered practices.
- Develop and support emerging leaders through mentorship and succession planning within the ERG.
Board Member - Justice Arts Coalition
(2020-06 - 2021-01)
- Advised and facilitated the strategic planning process, supported fundraising efforts in various ways, and contributed my skills and experience to guide the steps taken to support artists working in and around the criminal legal system
Curriculum Design/Advisory Committee - Justice-in-Education - Columbia University
(2019-01 - 2019-04)
- Conducted research and collaborated with educators, subject experts, policymakers, and other professionals to develop quality curricula and learning resources for first-year undergraduate students in a prison-based program
- Established feasible timeframes to achieve goals and objectives outlined in the curriculum
- Created stimulating lesson plans and recommended interesting additional resources
Adjunct Faculty - Purdue University Global, Inc.
Teach undergraduate composition and research courses in an online environment.
Faculty Team Lead - Southern New Hampshire University – Global Campus
(2024-05)
- Mentor and evaluate adjunct faculty, providing developmental feedback and supporting instructional quality, student success, and institutional standards.
- Support faculty performance improvement initiatives through coaching, assessment, and professional development.
Additional Teaching & Facilitation - Various Institutions - New York, NY
(2013 - 2025)
Designed and facilitated educational programs across higher education, community-based organizations, and professional learning environments, supporting diverse learner populations through instruction, coaching, and program development.
Education
Ph.D. - English Education - Columbia University
M.Phil. - English Education - Columbia University
M.Ed. - Teaching of English - Teachers College, Columbia University
MFA - Creative Writing - Manhattanville University
B.S. - Communications - St. John's University
Certificate - Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Northwestern University