Director of Research Operations- Neuroscience Department

Responsibilities

• Directs the operations of two Neuroscience research-intensive Institutes, The Del Monte Institute and the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute.
• Directs all facets and phases of financial and administrative management.
• Negotiates and directs collaborative agreements with other institutions and research laboratories, collaborative agreements with community enterprises and representatives, and contracts for facility usage and employment services.
• Identifies short and long-term goals and oversees resource allocation to meet priorities.
• Controls all expenditures and statement of accounts to ensure regulatory compliance and fiscal integrity.
• Plays a key role in strategic planning, communications, and advancement activities.

Requirements

• Directs the operations of two Neuroscience research-intensive Institutes, The Del Monte Institute and the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute.
• Assures resources and services are available to support investigators and professional staff within the two Institutes, primarily working with the Neuroscience Department, the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and Neurophysiology, the Neuroscience Graduate Program, and the Del Monte Diversity Commission.
• Develops, documents, and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Plans and directs the administrative and programmatic support for all activities to manage available resources effectively.
• Facilitates and oversees yearly operational plans and long-range strategic planning for programs, resources, and services.
• Develops and directs the execution of business plans for sustained operations and anticipated growth, including developing relationships with new external collaborators and developing new funding streams.
• Represents the institutes in meetings with senior leadership and potential funders, including industry, foundation, and government entities.
• Ensures adequate resources for effective operation at current levels and needed resources for anticipated growth.
• Oversees, implements, and monitors all grant, institutional, and gift account budgets and reporting.
• Ensures appropriate fiscal controls and systems are in place and followed.
• Conducts rigorous expenditure review to ensure all funds are spent in accordance with governing award and institutional regulations and implements appropriate corrections as needed.
• Oversees the analysis, preparation, and presentation of grant expenditures.
• Oversees the Institute's administrative and human resources needs; facilitates all faculty recruitment activities, including start-up laboratory activities.
• Accountable for the professional performance of all research administrative staff.
• Develops staffing plans, strategies, and programs.
• Provides leadership for hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluation, professional development, discipline, promotion, terminations, salary, and other personnel matters.
• Oversees projects, guides the implementation team, and offers expertise to team and principal investigators in preparing research applications, budgets, and reports.
• Interprets internal and external policies and regulations.
• Reviews grants for accuracy and responsiveness and advises on matters related to research applications, budgets, and reports.
• Represents the Institutes and maintains a collaborative relationship with regulatory bodies, professional organizations, other institutions and in fundraising or grant negotiations with public or private organizations.
• Researches special problems or initiatives and business development processes.
• Assures communication plan and marketing strategies are developed and followed.
• Working with the Director of both Institutes, spearhead all development activities to secure financial support for both Institutes' initiatives.
• This includes working closely with the UR Gift Officer to align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals, ensuring sustainable growth, cultivating relationships with philanthropic organizations, and engaging with foundation sponsors, such as the Schmitt Foundation.
• Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans and fundraising events.
• Assure compelling grant proposals are submitted.
• Develop institute-specific databases of donors with routine reports of fundraising activities.
• Direct thank you program (which is additional to the Gift Office’s official recognition).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience required
• Master's degree preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills preferred
• Ability to manage significantly complex projects, and design and implement new programs preferred
• Ability to analyze, condense, and synthesize information and provide accurate analysis and summaries preferred
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities preferred
• Strong attention to detail preferred
• Proven strategic planning skills preferred
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and follow established protocols and procedures preferred
• Previous leadership experience, including team management preferred
• Experience working with a diverse audience preferred
• Experience working with Development preferred

License and Certifications

• CLASP Certification required within first 6 months of the position