Assistant Vice President, Research and Innovation for Sponsored Programs
Overview
Virginia Tech has an immediate opening for the position of Assistant Vice President, Research and Innovation for Sponsored Programs within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI).
ORI is seeking a transformational and inspirational leader with a breadth of experience in research administration to provide strategic oversight and administrative support for all research and scholarly activity for Virginia Tech's $592 million research enterprise. The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) supports nine academic colleges, nine university research institutes, and three affiliated corporations. As the university pursues strategic growth across its Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia locations, the AVP will be joining at a pivotal time. As such, the executive director is key to the ambitious plans Virginia Tech is taking to be a top ten land grant university that delivers innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges.
The AVP will work collaboratively across the research enterprise to develop, implement, and oversee a full-service, customer-focused, and fully integrated sponsored programs office in support of a broad research portfolio. OSP is a comprehensive organization that includes pre-award, contract negotiation for funded and non-funded agreements, post-award, and financial compliance for all sponsored work at the university. In 2023, the office enabled nearly $2 billion in sponsored proposals, more than $450 million in sponsored awards, and $375 million in sponsored expenditures. 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, institute, or center. Working in concert with senior leaders, the AVP will ensure compliance through the implementation of effective processes and transparent, open communication and delivery of proactive, user-friendly customer service aimed at furthering research initiatives across the university. In doing so, the AVP will provide strategic leadership in support of collaborative research initiatives while creating a working environment that rewards new ideas and innovation, builds collaborations, encourages and nurtures teamwork, and promotes diversity. The AVP will have a thorough understanding of and commitment to best practices within research administration and compliance.
Minimum requirements include an advanced degree in a relevant discipline or a post-secondary degree with significant professional experience and certification; proven track record leading research administration within a large, complex university, institute, or center coupled with a broad and deep knowledge of federal, state, and private funding sources as well as regulatory compliance; demonstrated understanding of academic research funding with a sophisticated grasp of the changing funding landscape; demonstrated experience leading change management; and a commitment to diversity with demonstrated examples of institutional leadership that advance inclusion and diversity initiatives.
The review of applications will begin April 29, 2024 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified and the position is filled. This is a full time, non-tenure, Administrative and Professional faculty appointment eligible for a hybrid work arrangement within a commutable distance to Blacksburg, VA each week. Competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest to include a statement of career objectives, resume, and the names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of five references. For more information about this opportunity and how to apply, please visit www.jobs.vt.edu and search for posting number 529280.
Virginia Tech is an EEO/AA (including individuals with disabilities and veterans) employer.