Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Operations is to lead operational alignment across central research administration and campus-wide research offices through process mapping, system automation, and regulatory compliance training. Serving as the lead implementation partner to the Associate Vice President for Sponsored Projects Administration, this role translates strategic vision into daily execution by identifying and eliminating administrative bottlenecks, rolling out standardized training, and ensuring consistency among all university research administrators. The position ensures institutional accountability by bridging compliance functions within the office of Research and Technology Management and establishing collaborative, cross-functional workflows with partners in finance, procurement, and audit services to optimize research administration operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead campus-wide process mapping, business process redesign, and the integration of automation and AI solutions to eliminate administrative bottlenecks within the research administration community. Translate complex operational requirements into data-driven dashboards and performance metrics that support executive decision-making. Develop and deliver comprehensive training, implementation plans, and change management strategies to ensure the successful adoption of standardized practices among campus research administrators under a soft centralization model. (45%)
Lead high-priority strategic projects, track institutional priorities, and ensure strict accountability for deliverables across research units. Coordinate leadership meetings and strategic planning activities while preparing executive briefings, presentations, and reports for senior university leadership. (30%)
Design and execute communication strategies to support policy implementation and research administration initiatives across campus. Serve as editor for key institutional channel--including RADAR, Research Insights, and web content--translating complex regulatory information into clear guidance for faculty and staff. Partner with ORTM compliance and administrative functions (including Research Security, Research Integrity, IRB, and IACUC) to ensure structurally aligned, accurate messaging. (15%)
Foster cross-functional collaboration among central research administration, campus compliance units, and academic departments. Represent Sponsored Projects Administration on committees and enterprise-wide initiatives involving finance, procurement, and audit services. Actively promote an institutional culture of operational innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement across the university's research enterprise. (10%)
 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with the associate vice president for research. Regular contact with all staff in sponsored projects administration. 

University: Regular contact with CWRU researchers and administrative staff.

External: Occasional contact with our affiliates. 

Students: Occasional contact with student workers.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in planning, operations, communications, project management, or research administration or related field. 

Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in related fields preferred. 

REQUIRED SKILLS

Advanced problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and professional verbal/written communication skills.
High degree of maturity, independent judgment, and strong analytical skills paired with excellent attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships, build consensus, and interface authoritatively across a broad spectrum of research and technical disciplines.
Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to manage sensitive information with strict confidentiality and discretion.
Strong technical proficiency to ensure smooth use of software, creation of tracking/process improvement templates, and a strong desire to learn and work with AI to improve process and administrative efficiency.
Advanced competence utilizing MS Office, Google Workspace (including Sheets), and various computerized databases.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, meet consistent attendance requirements, and interact face-to-face with colleagues and supervisors.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Normal office environment.