Visiting Director of Strategic Research Operations

Visiting Director of Strategic Research Operations

Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research

Health & Kinesiology

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Job Summary

The Visiting Director of Strategic Research Operations is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and coordination regarding knowledge translation, dissemination, and training and technical assistance activities of Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research (IIRER) projects, including leadership and management of research operations staff. The position will work with the IIRER Director, IIRER leadership and staff, campus personnel, and partners to understand IIRER's needs; develop and execute strategies, goals, and actions; and provide services that advance the mission and goals of the institute, including elevating visibility and awareness of the institute and its activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

Knowledge Translation and Dissemination

Establish and implement performance measures regarding research, training and technical assistance operational goals, objectives, and activities to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Develop strategies to disseminate information, translate research findings and provide training and technical assistance that promote awareness of research and training conducted at the institute and bolsters relationships with IIRER stakeholders, including staff, campus community members, and local, state, and federal policymakers and funding agencies.

Develop and execute a strategic plan regarding knowledge translation, dissemination, and training and technical assistance that is in compliance with grant requirements including the development and maintenance of a state-of-the-art website and use of appropriate social media.

Provide high-quality knowledge translation, dissemination, and training and technical assistance products that are accordance with grant requirements.

Management and Oversight

Supervise the IIRER Strategic Research Operations team to ensure full execution and compliance with grant related research, training, and technical assistance activities.

Direct all aspects of production and distribution of IIRER knowledge translation, dissemination, and training and technical assistance products, including annual reports, informational brochures, newsletters, posters, fact sheets, research briefs, case studies and more.

Oversee dissemination of Institute news regarding research, training and technical assistance, findings, and activities.

Follow all relevant Institute and campus policies and state laws in making and tracking spending decisions, interactions with vendors, initiating bids and purchase orders, etc. to ensure compliance with funder guidelines.

Manage professional vendors selected to work on outsourced knowledge translation, dissemination, and training and technical assistance products.

Direct the planning of IIRER research, training and technical assistance events (i.e. conference / tradeshow exhibits) including the design, production, staffing, use of digital and print collateral materials, and coordination with multiple vendors and stakeholders.

Serve as a primary resource to ensures all digital content offered through courses, programs, and websites follows accessibility guidelines, providing guidance and support to faculty and staff.

Attend statewide and national conferences to assist in the dissemination of institute-wide research and project outcomes and build relationships with external stakeholders.

Other duties as assigned.

Additional Physical Demands

Standard office environment : in-state travel required for conferences, research coordination, and events

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, External Relations, or related field.

Two years of experience in editing, writing, media work, web development, public relations, and / or advertising.

Experience working with accessibility and / or employing universal design pedagogies / strategies.

Experience with project management.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, External Relations, or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered based upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.

Five years of experience in editing, writing, media work, web development, public relations, and advertising.

Experience within a research institute, large research facility or similar organization.

Experience with working with research related to special education, rehabilitation, public health or chronic health conditions.

Experience with various University of Illinois operational policies and procedures, including purchasing, reimbursements, and HR.

Experience with operational policies and procedures within the College of Applied Health Sciences and Department of Health and Kinesiology.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to communicate complex research concepts in a compelling manner for a variety of audiences.

Ability to analyze effectiveness and impact of knowledge dissemination activities.

Thorough knowledge of current media technologies, both print and digital, and how they apply to information distribution.

Strong interpersonal communication, customer service, and relationship building skills.

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, problem solving, and consensus building skills.

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Superior attention to detail.

Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, high-paced, team-based, hybrid environment.

Ability to travel

Understanding of University of Illinois branding guidelines.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The salary range for this position is $95,000-$110,000 commensurate with experience. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6 : 00 pm (Central Time) on October 23, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https : / / jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bobbie Clegg at bjclegg@illinouis.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and / or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment / misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and / or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID : 1033220 Job Category : Professional and Administrative