Assistant To Vice President for Research & Innovation

Position Summary

Under limited supervision and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, this position serves as an operational coordinator within a complex research enterprise. The role provides highly advanced professional assistance and performs complex, specialized work to facilitate the strategic operations of the Vice President for Research and the broader division. This position supports division-level operations across multiple research units and functional areas, handling demanding and confidential duties while interacting with a broad range of campus and community stakeholders to fulfill the university’s mission of access, excellence, and impact.

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares executive briefings, analytical reports, and data summaries for leadership.
• Tracks key research performance metrics and provides support for monitoring the research dashboard.
• Drafts and edits complex office correspondence, including documents signed by the Vice President for Research.
• Serves as a liaison between the VPR and public, students, staff, and other campus officials, maintaining specialized knowledge of educational and research administration.
• Covers and updates the office website and acts as the liaison to Marketing and Communications.
• Manages complex executive calendar coordination involving a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Prioritizes scheduling based on research priorities, critical deadlines, institutional commitments, and leadership needs.
• Coordinates communication and activities with other departments, educational institutions, vendors, and outside organizations.
• Organizes programs, events, meetings, or conferences, including facility arrangements, speaker coordination, and controlling event budgets.
• Manages electronic filing systems and ensures records are maintained for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Processes purchase orders, travel requests, and other business transactions within the financial system.
• Assists in the review, development, and recommendation of changes to program policies and procedures.
• Performs budget tracking for selected research-related accounts and activities.
• Provides monitoring and reconciliation support for operations funds.
• Complies with all State and University policies.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree and Experience: Four years of experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in research administration or higher education environments.
• Experience in supporting senior academic or administrative leadership (Vice President, Provost, Dean, or equivalent).
• Proven experience managing or coordinating complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and ability to learn institutional software.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, particularly in preparing executive-level reports and data summaries.
• Proven ability to improve administrative processes and workflows while exercising sound judgment.
• Highest level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential personnel, student, and institutional matters.