Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research
Overview
Search for the Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
CHICAGO, IL
THE SEARCH
Northwestern University (Northwestern or the University), the world-renowned, private research-intensive university with campuses located in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar, welcomes nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research (AVP).
The Sponsored Research Office is a critical unit that provides strategic oversight and administrative support for all of Northwestern’s research and scholarly activities—a portfolio of nearly $1 billion in annual sponsored research. Sponsored Research supports the University’s 12 schools and colleges, including nearly 170 school- and college-based research centers and 35 University-wide research centers and institutes. The AVP role represents a rare opportunity for a seasoned research administration professional to build on the tremendous growth of Northwestern’s sponsored research enterprise. The University has a vibrant interdisciplinary culture that deeply engages faculty as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The University is poised to surpass $1 billion in sponsored research for the first time during the current fiscal year and has recently implemented a new research administration and analytics system, so the AVP will join Northwestern at an exciting and pivotal time.
Reporting to the Vice President for Research within the Office for Research, the AVP works collaboratively across the research enterprise to develop, implement, and oversee a customer-focused sponsored research office supporting a broad research portfolio. The AVP leads a team of five direct reports plus an executive assistant and oversees a sponsored research staff numbering 60 FTE. The office has an annual budget of $7.3 million.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an established research administration leader with a successful track record of supporting cutting-edge research. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in both high-level strategic planning and day-to-day execution within a large, complex research-intensive university that has a medical school or an academic medical center. Working with senior leaders, the AVP will implement effective processes and cultivate transparent, open communication to deliver proactive, user-friendly customer service. These efforts will further bold research initiatives and help maintain compliance across the University. In this role, the AVP will provide strategic leadership to support collaborative research initiatives while creating a work environment that rewards innovation, builds partnerships, encourages and nurtures teamwork and professional growth, and promotes diversity. They will have a thorough understanding of and commitment to best practices within research administration and compliance.
Northwestern University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist with this vital recruitment effort. Please direct all inquiries and applications as follows.
Applications, Inquiries, and Nominations
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until completion of the search. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website for this search: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/northwestern-university/assistant-vice-president-sponsored-research
Dan Rodas, Partner
Tim Lanigan, Senior Associate
Isaacson, Miller
263 Summer Street, 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
Electronic submission is required
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. As per Northwestern University policy, this position requires a criminal background check. Successful applicants will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment.