The Assistant/Associate Vice President of Research Operations (AVPRO) reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and, together with the other AVPs and directors, is a key member of the OVPRI’s senior and executive management team.

• The Assistant/Associate Vice President of Research Operations (AVPRO) reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation and, together with the other AVPs and directors, is a key member of the OVPRI’s senior and executive management team. The AVPRO serves as the strategic leader for research and financial operations within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The AVPRO leads significant projects to strengthen support for research and improve research administration across campus and within the division. This position oversees several research administrative units such as Research Finance and Business Administration, Research Technology Services, and Human Resources. The AVPRO supervises and mentors unit directors, and supports a culture of service, operational excellence, and continuous process improvement to support effective and efficient research operations support in the face of ever-changing researcher needs and regulatory obligations. OVPRI is seeking a leader who can continue the vision and development as a best-in-class, high-performing, customer-centric team that aligns with the goals and objectives of the office and the institution and leads the fiscal management of the unit.
• The AVPRO is responsible for establishing a high-functioning, service-oriented unit that supports OVPRI operations while ensuring financial institutional compliance with federal, state, and university policies. Research Operations is comprised of finance and business operations, human resources, data services, technology, and data analysis support for the OVPRI. Responsibilities include comprehensive financial management, including reporting on expenditures, commitments, and multi-year financial projections. The AVPRO works cooperatively with leadership and administrative staff of OVPRI administrative units, centers, institutes, and research cores to support budget and resource planning and responsible fiscal management The AVPRO also represents the interests of the UO with regional and national peers.
• As OVPRI and UO seek to improve business processes, this position plays a key role in developing best practices. The AVPRO will provide leadership during the transition from a legacy research administration system to Huron’s suite for research operations and will work to ensure continued support of these critical functions. A successful transition to the new platform will require change management in the operating units and substantial outreach and communications to the research community.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s, J.D., or equivalent related degree.
• Four years of financial and budgetary experience.
• Seven years of supervisory experience, including progressive experience in leading and managing professional and administrative staff.
• One of the following:
• Six years of related and increasingly responsible experience at a research university, research institute, hospital, or research and development unit of a corporation in a range of management assignments; OR
• Three years of experience as an academic leader with research administration responsibilities (e.g. associate dean for research, research institute head, head of research-intensive department) AND experience as a principal investigator with a sponsored research portfolio; OR
• Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in a government agency or similar environment that requires customer service in a highly regulated environment where job duties have included high-level management, setting of strategic direction, and execution of programmatic and process improvement.

Candidates with advanced skills and experience may be considered for the title of Associate Vice President for Research Operations.

Professional Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the demonstrated ability to develop, scale, and advance multiple complex projects/problems simultaneously.
• Ability to understand and develop complex financial models and communicate them effectively.
• Ability to think critically and strategically and engage in constructive discourse and problem solving.
• Commitment to advancing the university goal of facilitating faculty research and operations.
• Demonstrated abilities in developing and communicating policy and procedure and business process optimization.
• A sophisticated approach to cultural change that balances awareness of established practices with bold, reasoned pursuit of innovation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively regarding UO’s mission, innovation and research strategy, both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Ability to manage and provide oversight for budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting for innovation and research operations.
• Ability to interact with financial decision-makers and maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to interact, communicate, and work effectively with individuals, recognizing and respecting the many and varied identities of each person.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion in research.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, set appropriate work priorities, and require minimal supervision over regular work activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced or terminal degree in public administration, business administration, or law.
• Experience supporting research at a major research university or other institution of comparable complexity.
• Experience in a team-based professional setting, including developing and leading teams.
• Experience developing and managing a shared services environment.
• Experience implementing technology/automation projects.
• Experience with BANNER or another similar administration system.