Job Description:The Associate Vice President for Research Administration serves as a senior member of the Division for Research and Economic Development (DfRED) leadership team and reports directly to the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED). The AVP provides strategic leadership, executive oversight, and organizational direction for the University's research administration enterprise, including oversight of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) and Research Foundation Human Resources (RFHR), and coordination with the Office of Regulatory Research Compliance (ORRC), ensuring effective integration of research administration, compliance, and Research Foundation operations in support of the University's research mission and strategic growth objectives.
As the principal administrative partner to the VPRED for research administration and Research Foundation operations, the AVP drives strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and institutional risk management across the research enterprise, participating in the development, interpretation and implementation of policies and strategic initiatives. The position serves as a key liaison among Academic Affairs, DfRED, SPA, ORRC, Research Foundation Operations, and academic units to strengthen communication, align priorities, and ensure coordinated support throughout the research lifecycle.
The AVP leverages data, operational analytics, and stakeholder input to identify opportunities for organizational improvement, enhance service delivery, break down administrative silos, and increase institutional competitiveness for research funding. The AVP also provides leadership in succession planning, workforce development, and executive-level coordination of research administration and compliance functions, while supporting continuity of Research Foundation operational leadership and the VPRED's responsibilities as Senior Research Official and Research Foundation Operations Manager.
Primary Responsibilities:- Strategic Leadership and Executive Oversight
- Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the VPRED on institutional research priorities, research administration strategy, and Research Foundation operations.
- Provide executive leadership for integration and coordination among SPA, ORRC, RFHR, Academic Affairs, and research stakeholders to strengthen governance, communication, and accountability across the research enterprise.
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans, operational roadmaps, and performance objectives that strengthen research administration infrastructure, support institutional research growth, and advance the University's research priorities.
- Executive Decision-Making and Risk Management
- Serve as the executive escalation point for complex, cross-functional, or institutionally significant matters requiring coordination among SPA, ORRC, RFHR, Academic Affairs, and executive leadership.
- Exercise delegated authority from the VPRED to advance strategic initiatives, facilitate enterprise-wide coordination, and resolve institutional issues affecting research administration and compliance functions.
- Coordinate executive-level institutional responses to significant audit findings, compliance concerns, and enterprise risks in partnership with SPA, ORRC, and University leadership.
- Lead cross-functional planning among SPA, ORRC, Research Foundation Operations, and academic stakeholders regarding emerging federal regulations, sponsor requirements, research security initiatives, audit readiness, and institutional risk management strategies.
- Identify organizational risks, operational challenges, and strategic opportunities and advise the VPRED on actions that strengthen institutional effectiveness and research competitiveness.
- Institutional Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as an advocate for the research community by engaging stakeholders across schools, colleges, and administrative units to identify needs, promote shared accountability, and strengthen support for research growth and success.
- Build strong relationships with faculty, deans, department chairs, research staff, University leadership, and Research Foundation leadership.
- Facilitate collaboration among SPA, ORRC, Associate Deans for Research, departmental research administrators, and post-award managers to improve communication, streamline processes, strengthen compliance awareness, and create a coordinated support model for faculty and research staff.
- Convene and facilitate divisional leadership meetings, stakeholder forums, advisory groups, and cross-functional working groups that promote communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement across research administration, compliance, human resources, and academic operations.
- Convene cross-functional working groups focused on improving coordination among research administration, compliance, finance, human resources, and academic units.
- Represent the VPRED, as delegated, in University leadership meetings, institutional committees, Research Foundation forums, and external stakeholder engagements, providing executive-level leadership and coordination for initiatives advancing the University's research, compliance, operational, and strategic priorities.
- Attend key national meetings to interact and discuss with peers and research administrators about important policy and other significant matters at events such as the APLU COR, COGR, NCURA etc. Provide feedback and recommendation to VPRED and other campus stakeholders on timely action items and strategic plans.
- Organizational Leadership and Performance Management
- Establish organizational goals, performance measures, and accountability standards that support excellence in research administration.
- Assess organizational effectiveness and long-term capacity needs across research administration functions and provide strategic recommendations regarding future organizational design, workforce planning, and resource investments.
- Lead continuous improvement and change management initiatives designed to enhance operational effectiveness, customer service, employee engagement, and institutional capacity.
- Evaluate handoffs, workflows, and service delivery across SPA, ORRC, RFHR, and departmental research administration functions to identify opportunities for improved coordination, reduced administrative burden, increased efficiency, and enhanced support for researchers.
- Develop recommendations regarding organizational design, workforce planning, technology utilization, and resource investments that support long-term institutional goals.
- Leadership Development and Succession Planning
- Lead and manage direct reports/team providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to assure goals, programs, activities, and personnel practices are consistent with and contribute to the University's mission. Lead employees for maximum performance and dedication, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Complete performance management feedback and goals timely and per requirements, offering constructive feedback and developing improvement plans. Develop succession plans, leadership development strategies, and cross-training programs for SPA and RFHR leadership positions to ensure continuity of operations and long-term organizational resilience.
- Provide ongoing mentorship, training, and operational knowledge transfer to support leadership continuity within Research Foundation operations.
- Identify and cultivate emerging leaders, ensuring critical institutional knowledge, operational processes, and leadership responsibilities are documented and effectively transferred.
- Lead and manage direct reports by providing coaching, performance feedback, professional development, and accountability for achieving divisional goals and priorities.
- Other reasonable duties as assigned
Functional and Supervisory Relationships:- Reports to: Vice President for Research and Economic Development
- Supervises the following positions: The Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Programs Administration and Director of Research Foundation Human Resources
- The AVP will also work in close partnership with the Office of Regulatory Research Compliance (ORRC) to align research administration, compliance, and risk management practices across the research enterprise. Together, these offices coordinate institutional responses to emerging regulatory requirements, audit findings, sponsor concerns, research integrity matters, and other issues with potential operational, compliance, or reputational impact.
- The AVP will also maintain strong collaborative relationships with deans, associate deans for research, departmental research administrators/post award managers, and key academic and administrative leaders to ensure effective communication, coordinated problem-solving, and alignment of research administration services with institutional priorities.
Job Requirements:- Demonstrated ability to lead complex administrative or operational functions and supervise professional staff and managers.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and organizational change.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, manage institutional risk, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and stakeholder management.
- Demonstrated success leading organizational improvement initiatives and supporting growth in externally funded research.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
- Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.
Requirements:Minimum Qualifications:- Master's degree from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
- Ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience in research administration, sponsored programs, research operations, or higher education administration.
Preferred Qualifications:- Master's degree from an accredited institution in business administration, public administration, higher education, finance, human resources, research administration, or a related field.
- Experience at a research-intensive (R1) university or similarly complex organization.
- Professional certification in research administration, human resources, or a related field.
- Professional experience working within higher education.
- Professional experience working within the SUNY System or Research Foundation for SUNY.
- Professional supervisory experience.
Working Environment:- Typical office environment
Additional Information:Professional Rank and Salary Range: Associate Vice President, MP, $245,000-260,000.
Special Notes: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements.
Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=206313
Application Instructions:Applicants MUST submit the following documents: - Resume/CV
- Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
- Contact information for three professional references
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