at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
Job ID49903
LocationChicago, Illinois
Department: Office for Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/17
Job Summary:
The Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research (AVPSR) is a pivotal role within the Office for Research (OR), integral to propelling Northwestern's thriving research portfolio, which is supported by more than $1 billion in annual sponsored funding. Importantly, this person will demonstrate strategic vision, a collaborative spirit, and innovative leadership that fosters transparent, open communication and inclusive community-building.
The AVPSR is responsible for all aspects of pre-award and selected post-award grants management, including policy development and implementation; outreach to faculty and administrative staff through training, presentations and informal communications; leading transformative change by creating excellent working relationships between research administration staff in SR, the schools, and other Office for Research units; continued unit web site development; and interaction with federal agencies and other institutions to promote awareness of the national research agenda and solve common problems.The successful candidate will ensure the efficient and effective operations of SR and serves as the Institutional Official (as delegated by the President) in all pre-award and non-financial post-award grants and contracts management areas, including signature authority on all proposals, awards, and other documents related to sponsored project administration.
The Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research will support the Office for Research mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.
Please note: This is an exempt position requiring availability on some weekends and after normal working hours and some travel.
Specific Responsibilities:
Serves as Institutional Official for all pre-award and selected post-award activities, including grants, cooperative agreements and contracts to federal and state agencies, foundations and corporations.Monitors all sponsored projects proposals and awards for compliance with federal agency and NU regulations.Fosters compliant environment by staying abreast of changes in agency regulations, requirements and policies, and by disseminating agency information.Keeps informed of emerging federal issues that will impact NU's sponsored research program.Resolves administrative and management problems that may be complex and that may involve a number of central offices and school departments.
Ensures that a high level of service support is provided to principal investigators and departmental administrators; establishes standard operating procedures for service delivery; develops and monitors internal performance metrics to ensure high levels of service and accomplishment of objectives.Supervises staff, fostering excellence and effectiveness and optimizing staff skills and organizational structure.Responsible for continuous improvement and change management as staff interact with all constituents. Provides leadership in the area of staff development and continuing education, ensuring that all SR staff interact and communicate promptly and effectively within SR and with other university units and know relevant current regulations and procedures.
Directly supervises three Senior Directors and two Directors in an office of 68 staff.Responsible for providing education, training and research information for SR staff and NU departments, Schools and Centers through a variety of venues.Plays a critical role in the design and implementation of research administration training programs.
Works collaboratively with the Senior Director, Business Systems & Operations to identify, develop and implement new and improved systems for proposal development and award management
Serves as a member of the Office for Research leadership team. Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships within OR and SR. Reports on important or controversial issues and provides guidance on appropriate actions to resolve the issues.Briefs OR leadership on specific cases of non-compliance when cases may have an impact on the ability to safely and properly conduct research on campus, including cases that may result in negative publicity, regulatory agency penalties, or funding agency sanctions.
Oversees and manages the annual budget and expenditures for Sponsored Research.
Works openly and communicates productively with multiple Northwestern Central and school administrative units, including the Office of General Council, Accounting Services for... For full info follow application link.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
