Senior Associate VP for Research Operations: Position Profile

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), a Carnegie Foundation-ranked R1 research institution with an academic medical center, invites referrals, nominations, and applications for the newly created role of Senior Associate Vice President for Research Operations (SAVP RO) to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of Research (OoR). This role includes managing business operations, compliance, facilities, communications, finance, human resources, and procurement. Reporting to the Vice President for Research (VPR), the SAVP RO collaborates with the university’s leadership to implement UAB’s strategic research vision.

The SAVP RO will initially focus on understanding the job’s intricacies, key personnel and stakeholders, and defining the position’s scope. Short-term tasks involve integrating working groups within the OoR, and assessing and, as needed, re-engineering business practices and organizational structure to enhance efficiency, team cohesion, and a customer service focus. Longer-term goals include developing and executing a strategic plan for OoR operations, implementing a new electronic records administration (ERA) system, and achieving annual objectives to strengthen UAB’s research enterprise.

Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in similar roles, strong problem-solving skills and comprehensive knowledge of relevant areas, preferably at research intensive institutions and/or health sciences organizations. Essential leadership qualities include tactical skills, a metrics-oriented approach, coalition-building abilities, and a client-focused, non-hierarchical mindset. The SAVP RO should also be adept at purposeful action and decisiveness while developing stakeholder buy-in.

The SAVP RO will play a critical role in UAB’s “Growth with Purpose” $1B research funding initiative. The SAVP RO will garner high visibility and significant support from the president and senior leadership, as UAB aims for tangible growth in research. The SAVP RO will transform organizational culture to achieve the Growth with Purpose initiative. The role’s top priorities are enhancing research support and efficiency, managing financial resources, and fostering communication and collaboration. Responsibilities include enhancing business processes, ensuring compliance with policies and laws, and serving as the Chief Tactical Officer to execute operational strategic initiatives. They will oversee a team of 5-8 direct reports, manage and possess signature authority for the OoR’s ~$38M budget, and ensure efficient resource allocation for research initiatives.

Working closely with senior leadership across the institution, the SAVP RO will address immediate challenges such as implementation of Huron’s recommendations for the OoR, defining success metrics, initiating the Huron ERA implementation, and managing cultural change. Long-term challenges include expanding research infrastructure, managing the ERA system implementation, and enhancing communication and processes.

Success in this role requires gravitas, broad research administration experience, advocacy skills, effective communication, leadership, change management abilities, and a customer service focus. The SAVP RO must complement the VPR’s role by managing people and operations, ensuring compliance, and demonstrating servant leadership. Experience in research and grant submittals is highly preferred to best understand and support necessary process re-engineering and to effectively interact with faculty and staff across the enterprise. The SAVP RO will be pivotal in operationalizing the OoR, aligning with UAB’s strategic goals, and fostering a supportive and efficient research environment.

For inquiries, nominations, applications and confidential conversations, please contact:

Lisa J. Marks, Founder & CEO
Leyla Kayi, Senior Search Consultant
413-335-6936
researchoperations@leadexec.com

This position is open until filled, but only applications received by Thursday, July 18, 2024, can be assured full consideration. Applications should include a detailed letter of interest and a current curriculum vitae/resume.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.