Senior Director of Research Strategy

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-RIs 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-RIs 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 offices 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.

About the Work Unit:
The goal of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation is to promote Vanderbilts distinctive research culture which aspires to improve the human condition through path-breaking discovery and addition to overseeing the universitys research portfolio the VP-RI also oversees the implementation of the universitys 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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Strategic Initiatives & Portfolio Leadership

• 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 universitys research portfolio and related services.
• Support the VP-RIs 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.

External Partnerships & Research Advancement

• Collaborate with RDS and CTTC to support the VP-RIs 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.

Research Intelligence Analysis & Strategic Deliverables

• 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.

Strategic Communications & Brand Advancement

• Lead and direct a cohesive communications strategy to strengthen VUs research and innovation brand in partnership with the Research Communications and Events Manager and VUs 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.

Operations Administration & Leadership Support

• 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-RIs representative in staff hiring processes.
• Draft coordinate and finalize internal documents and correspondence maintaining confidentiality as needed.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position has supervisory responsibility over designated staff. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation.

Education and Certifications:

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• A Masters degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• 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.
• Professional training or certification in project management is preferred.
• Ability to manage complex projects (e.g. hold others accountable manage distributed workflow etc.).