Assistant Director, Research Staff Management

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Manage a defined portfolio of exempt research staff (~70 per Assistant Director), serving as the primary point of contact for faculty and researchers, providing ongoing coaching, performance management, and support to ensure effective research staff engagement and outcomes.
• Apply sound judgment in navigating complex and sensitive situations, including performance concerns, faculty-researcher dynamics, and policy interpretation, balancing individual needs with institutional guidelines and expectations.
• Oversee key lifecycle processes for the portfolio, including onboarding, performance reviews, reappointments, and transitions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a high-quality experience while coordinating with HR and other partners as needed.
• Provide coaching and advisory support to researchers, identifying development opportunities and delivering targeted training initiatives to strengthen capabilities and career readiness.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy, including workshops and career development programming, and assess effectiveness through feedback and data-driven improvements.
• Foster a collaborative research staff community by designing and implementing engagement initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing, best practices, and professional connection.
• Oversee the recruitment and administration of teaching support roles (Teaching Fellows, Teaching Assistants, Graders, and Scribes), ensuring high-quality instructional support for faculty.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to manage visiting researcher programs, international hiring processes, and visa coordination, ensuring compliance with University policies and global hiring practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and management of a diverse workforce is required.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex employee relations matters with sound judgment and discretion.
• Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Experience working in environments requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and high-touch client service.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Higher education or research environment experience strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex processes with attention to detail and accuracy.
• High level of professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with HRIS systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle) preferred.
• Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach in a fast-paced, evolving environment.