Internal OnlyDirector, Internal Research Support & Recognition

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

About The Position

The Director, Internal Research Support & Recognition provides strategic, institution-wide leadership for internal research support programs that enable, fund, and recognize research excellence across the University of Kansas. This role oversees a coordinated One KU portfolio of internal funding programs, limited submissions, and faculty recognition initiatives aligned with institutional research priorities. The Director ensures that internal investments are administered through transparent and fair processes and informed by data and peer benchmarking. The role partners closely with faculty and senior leadership to strengthen the research pipeline, support competitiveness for external funding, and elevate KU’s national visibility. This position is open to KU-Lawerence and KUMC Office of Research/Research Administration employees only. We are not accepting off-campus applicants at this time. Internal applicants, please apply with the following items. Resume Cover Letter This position will be open for applications through Tuesday, August 18th. You must apply by that date.

Requirements

Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, research development, faculty affairs, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing internal funding programs, limited submissions, or faculty recognition processes.
Experience working with senior academic leadership (e.g., deans, AVCs, provost-level offices).
Three (3) years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including responsibility for staff management, performance evaluation, and goal setting.
Experience developing and implementing policies, processes, or governance structures.
Experience using data to inform decision-making and assess program impact.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Nice To Haves

Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Experience leading institution-wide or multi-campus research programs or portfolios.
Experience using data and peer benchmarking to inform strategic investment decisions.
Experience developing standards or framework related to research funding, review processes, or conflicts of interest.
Experience with faculty and senior leadership in a research university setting.

Responsibilities

Develop institution-wide strategy and oversee the development and management of: Internal pilot, seed, and collaborative research funding programs, Co-funding of strategic research investments, Limited submissions, Internal faculty research recognition awards, External prestigious and highly prestigious awards, and honorific distinctions.
Support the oversight and strategic alignment of the internal research investment portfolio to maximize institutional impact.
Convene and inform quarterly discussions on funding priorities, tradeoffs, and allocation decisions.
Apply data-driven insights and peer benchmarks to inform decision-making and demonstrate return on investment.
Lead and guide periodic portfolio reviews to evaluate impact and strategic alignment of internal research investments.
Assess program-level return on investment and institutional impact.
Monitor participation patterns and equity outcomes.
Align investments with KU’s priority research areas and growth opportunities.
Provide senior oversight of internal support and co-funding programs, ensuring alignment with institutional and campus research priorities and clear and consistent governance structures, review processes, and decision-making frameworks.
Establish and enforce consistent policies, standards, and timelines across all internal funding, limited submission, and recognition programs.
Ensure transparent communication with faculty regarding opportunities, eligibility, timelines, and review outcomes.
Provide strategic oversight for internal faculty research recognition programs to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and visibility goals.
Oversee coordination and nomination strategies for external prestigious and highly prestigious awards and honorific distinctions.
Ensure recognition programs are administered through transparent, fair, and consistent processes.
Partner with research leadership to identify and elevate faculty for institutional and national recognition opportunities.
Serve as the primary institutional liaison for internal research support and faculty recognition initiatives, partnering with Associate Vice Chancellors for Research, Deans and campus leadership, and Office of Research strategic and planning teams.
Establish and monitor metrics to assess program effectiveness, including return on investment, downstream funding outcomes, and faculty participation.
Ensure alignment of internal investments and recognition programs with broader One KU research priorities and growth areas.
Lead and supervise the Internal Research Support & Recognition team, including program and operations personnel.
Ensure coordinated, high-quality execution across programs to deliver a cohesive and high-impact portfolio.
Align team goals, processes, and workload to support consistent service delivery and institutional priorities.
Conducts activities in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with KUMC Policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Coordinate work with other University areas ensure integration and support of the University mission.
Develops, maintains and expands job-specific knowledge and skills to keep pace with industry changes and supports the university's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Participates in relevant committees, task force, or other similar activities.
Maintain confidentiality of medical center, employee, and patient information.
Manages sensitive data with discretion and in accordance with KUMC policies and legal requirements.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity, respect, professional conduct, and ethical standards.