Program Manager, Research Development and Support (Hybrid)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager, Research Development and Support (RDS) is an individual contributor in Vanderbilt University’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. The position manages the Limited Submissions Opportunities (LSO) program and Internal Awards program, and assists with research development activities. It requires autonomy, sound decision-making, problem-solving, and discretion, while working closely with the RDS team and faculty to provide research development services. The RDS team serves university leadership, faculty, and program staff across Vanderbilt’s colleges and schools, including networked campuses. It connects sponsor interests and priorities with Vanderbilt’s research and programmatic strengths and supports partnerships that advance research, teaching, and institutional goals. Its work focuses on federal and state funding, industry opportunities, and non-family private foundations that support scholarly and scientific research through requests for proposals. Family foundations making gifts to Vanderbilt are handled by Development and Alumni Relations. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation promotes Vanderbilt’s research culture and advances research and scholarship across the university. It develops strategies and services to enhance extramural research support, advance a trans-institutional research agenda, and build strategic research partnerships. This hybrid role requires working in the office three days each week and remotely two days each week. The position has no supervisory responsibility and reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Research Development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
At least two years of research-related experience.
At least three years of experience in a professional office setting.
Proven decision-making experience, good judgment, and discretion.
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Experience prioritizing and multitasking.
Commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.
General working knowledge of the Microsoft Office software suite.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, high accuracy, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, a collaborative spirit, and service orientation.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Prior experience working with university faculty in higher education.
Strong interest in research development.

Responsibilities

Manage the Limited Submissions Opportunities program, including identifying opportunities, administering internal competitions, maintaining faculty review committees, recruiting ad hoc reviewers, and coordinating with Vanderbilt University Medical Center on shared opportunities.
Manage all aspects of the Internal Awards program, including publicity and outreach, webinars, faculty reviewer committees, and stakeholder correspondence.
Determine when program issues should be raised with the Executive Director of Research Development, and present solutions and recommendations for improving policies and procedures.
Assist with research development activities, including conducting funding searches and researching sponsors.
Coordinate with the RDS team to ensure faculty researchers receive consistent and accurate information.
Work with the RDS/OVPRI team to develop and implement reports displaying RDS metrics.
When required, serve as the RDS liaison to university offices such as Development and Alumni Relations and Marketing and Communications.
Advise on processes for systems such as VandyQuest, InfoReady, and website development programs.
Support university-wide, multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research proposals by coordinating meetings, evaluating or producing content, and gathering information.
Coordinate with RDS staff to produce events, including faculty grant-writing workshops and campus visits by federal and private funding agency representatives.