Senior Director of Research Strategy

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Research Strategy works with the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation (VP-RI) as well as teams and individuals within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) at Vanderbilt University (VU) and is a key leader responsible for providing high-level support and fulfilling chief-of-staff functions for the VP-RI. This role coordinates and advances strategic activities across the VP-RI’s operating units and provides strategic oversight of research communications. The position reports directly to the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, serving as a close advisor and member of the VP-RI’s leadership team, supporting the management of short- and long-term critical priorities, initiatives, and activities of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. The Senior Director of Research Strategy works with the VP-RI leadership team to implement the office’s strategic vision and to advance the quality and reputation of the research enterprise at Vanderbilt. This includes determining and prioritizing strategy and tactics; managing and coordinating strategic projects and initiatives; facilitating engagement across internal and external stakeholders; and advancing a cohesive communications strategy to enhance the VU research and innovation brand and reputation. The goal of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation is to promote Vanderbilt’s distinctive research culture, which aspires to improve the human condition through path-breaking discovery and innovation. In addition to overseeing the university’s research portfolio, the VP-RI also oversees the implementation of the university’s new future vision and trans-institutional strategies and works closely with the Provost, academic Deans, Vice Provosts, and faculty at large to advance the quality of research and scholarship university-wide. The Office develops strategies and provides services to enhance extramural support for research from all sources including corporate, foundation, and federal; advance a cohesive and vibrant trans-institutional research agenda; and build strategic partnerships around shared priorities in research. The VP-RI works with a broad range of University stakeholders, including faculty and others, in advocating for the research and scholarship missions of all disciplines at Vanderbilt.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
At least twelve years of relevant experience is required.
Excellent judgment, interpersonal, and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Demonstrated success in taking initiative, meeting deadlines, adapting to changing priorities, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated executive talent with a proven ability to lead and motivate others and earn the respect of leaders and associates at all levels.
Knowledge of higher education research and innovation culture and current issues.
Ability to analyze and interpret data (e.g., pre-award data, survey data) and prepare data reports and visualizations using tools such as Tableau and Excel.
Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively to craft and implement short- and long- range operational goals and plans.
Ability to function effectively in a complex organizational environment demanding high energy, discretion, patience, enthusiasm, and humor.
Ability to manage complex projects (e.g., hold others accountable, manage distributed workflow, etc.).

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
Professional training or certification in project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage an evolving portfolio of strategic projects for the VP-RI (e.g., working groups for strategic planning and implementation, faculty teaming for external partnerships, engagement with external partners, etc.).
Provide portfolio and project management, including goal setting; lead meetings, manage timelines and workloads efficiently, coordinate faculty and staff, and follow through on deliverables for major OVPRI initiatives and activities.
Coordinate advisory committees and working groups established within OVPRI, including managing group membership, setting meeting agendas, arranging presenters, gathering and analyzing data, and preparing reports and deliverables.
Collaborate with the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Chancellor, Government and Community Relations (GCR), VUMC, Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), Division of Administration, and other leadership entities to advance strategic initiatives and events on- or off-campus.
Act as a consultant and advisor to the VP-RI on strategic advancement of the university’s research portfolio and related services.
Support the VP-RI’s engagement with subsidiary offices and services, including Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), the Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization (CTTC), Research Development and Support (RDS), and the Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education (ACCRE) by collaborating with leaders in each unit.
Collaborate with RDS and CTTC to support the VP-RI’s engagement in major research and innovation partnerships; strategic federal, foundation, and industry relationship development; and related in-reach and out-reach events.
Build research or innovation relationships or partnerships with external entities.
Support VU/VUMC collaborations in innovation and research.
Perform data analysis, fact-finding, and benchmarking (e.g., federal funding trends, compliance, commercialization).
Prepare data visualizations and performance analyses.
Draft and finalize strategic documents, including: reports, presentations, communications, research MOUs and letters of support.
Provide analytical support to inform strategy and decision-making.
Lead and direct a cohesive communications strategy to strengthen VU’s research and innovation brand, in partnership with the Research Communications and Events Manager and VU’s Division of Communications and Marketing.
Provide strategic oversight and editorial direction for OVPRI-related content across university publications and contributors.
Guide communications for OVPRI-related events, ensuring visibility, alignment, and consistency.
Oversee development and distribution of key OVPRI communications (e.g., newsletters, announcements).
Direct creation of print and digital materials showcasing faculty research and institutional strengths.
Serve as a central coordinator across OVPRI units to align messaging and elevate collective impact.
Oversee research website strategy, content, and periodic redesign.
Assist with special events (e.g., site visits, partner engagements), including logistics and facilitation.
Oversee central OVPRI staff as assigned and ensure consistent and professional procedures.
Manage day-to-day office operations.
Handle sensitive information with strict confidentiality and oversee document management.
Support VP-RI and Executive Director of Operations in: hiring, office planning, staff development and retention.
Act as the VP-RI’s representative in staff hiring processes.
Draft, coordinate, and finalize internal documents and correspondence, maintaining confidentiality as needed.