Associate Vice President for Research Advancement, Senior Advisor to VPRI

The Associate Vice President for Research Advancement will direct the research advancement team who administers multiple seed grant programs, matching funds for federal awards, limited submission competitions, and impact awards.

This position reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) and will serve as a close advisor to the VPRI on research advancement, strategic initiatives, local and statewide partnerships, internal unit engagements, and management of reports and presentations for the Board of Regents and the President’s office.

This individual will develop research teams to respond to the emerging research trends and funding opportunities and assist the VPRI on implementation of the Research 2030 plan and Innovation Minnesota Council recommendations.

The AVP is responsible for serving as a senior analyst for institutional reporting and strategy development, collaborating with multiple stakeholders and other units to support research advancement initiatives.

The AVP will serve as a RIO liaison to the Corporate Engagement Center (CEC) and assist the Executive Director of CEC in implementation of RIO development efforts.

The AVP will be responsible for managing the RIO Advisory Board meetings and will serve as the prime contact for the board members.

The AVP will be a thought partner to VPRI, assisting both proactively and reactively on strategic efforts and positions on various issues that impact the UMN’s research enterprise.

The VPRI will delegate responsibilities to the AVP as the need arises to address the new opportunities and issues.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the RIO Research Advancement team including oversight of multiple seed grant programs, matching funds for federal awards, limited submissions competitions, and impact awards.

Lead efforts to recruit committee chairs and faculty reviewers for prestigious, large grants competitions. Track and analyze the outcomes of funded research advancement programs.

Serve as a close advisor to the VPRI on research advancement, strategic initiatives, and local and statewide partnerships.

Assist in implementation of research advancement activities championed by VPRI.

Identify emerging research trends and funding opportunities and develop reports and recommendations for VPRI on refining the Research 2030 plan for RIO.

Lead the future strategic plan development effort for RIO.

Assist VPRI on implementation of policies and regulatory changes to ensure safety and compliance of the research enterprise in coordination with other policy leaders within RIO.

Track and monitor recommendations from national organizations such as AAU, APLU, and BTAA.

• Assist the VPRI in optimizing financial models to ensure that RIO can operate sustainably while continuing to expand research expenditures.
• Manage the RIO Advisory Board meetings and serve as the lead point of contact for the board members.
• Develop and utilize data-driven insights (e.g., funding success rates) to assess and improve research advancement efforts.
• Serve as the senior analyst of institutional research reporting and strategic performance (Annual report, MPACT 2025, Compact Budget Document, Accountability Report, NSF HERD).
• Assist VPRI with preparation and delivery of presentations and reports on the research enterprise to key stakeholders such as the Board of Regents, Budget 6, President’s office, Colleges and Schools, Industry, and Federal Agencies.
• Collaborate with the RIO's External Affairs and Communications teams to highlight research successes and increase the visibility of UMN’s research achievements.

Advise on the RIO web page content.

• Attend departmental faculty meetings on behalf of the VPRI to engage in discussions related to their research and infrastructural support needs.
• Host delegations from industry and federal agencies that intersect with Research 2030 initiatives with the objective of developing collaborations and partnerships with UMN faculty.
• Serve as a RIO liaison to the Corporate Engagement Center (CEC) and assist the Executive Director of CEC in implementation of RIO development efforts.
• Develop new and existing programs and initiatives within RIO, including undergraduate research and workforce training opportunities.

Appointment

Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.

The percent time of this position is negotiable (100% is preferred). The position is an annually renewable P&A administrative appointment.

The position will be subject to annual review and evaluation, in consultation (if applicable) with the appropriate leader of the appointee’s academic unit.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree or other doctoral degree.
• 10 or more years of professional experience in research advancement activities and / or leadership roles within higher education.
• Established track record of conducting independent research coupled with a record of success in securing and managing research grants.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and / or private funding sources (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD), as well as trends in emerging research areas.
• Expertise in reviewing and providing constructive feedback on research grants such as service on grant panels.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets related to institutional performance metrics, research funding, proposal success rates, and other indices to inform research strategy development.
• Experience with supervising and developing staff.
• Comfort with public speaking, representing the research mission of the university in various forums.
• Ability to effectively communicate research goals and successes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working with diverse internal stakeholders (e.g., deans, department heads, central administration) to support research initiatives across multiple departments or colleges.

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