Research Partnerships & Business Operations
Job Summary
Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research Partnerships and Planning/Chief Research Officer (CRO), within Academic Affairs (AA) office, this position provides strategic and operational leadership to support the growth of research initiatives and external partnerships under the Academic Affairs umbrella.
Responsibilities
Direct/Manage/Supervise the analysis of the organization's business operations to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with corporate objectives.
Help drive speed and agility in decision making, identify areas to eliminate duplicative work, remove barriers to progress, and accelerate stronger integration across business units and functions.
Focus on business process (work activities, workflows, work activity procedures, mechanisms, roles, organization reporting relationships, etc.) and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Utilize business analysis related models and diagrams such as process maps, organizational structure diagrams, strategy maps, role reporting relationships, etc. to aid in proposing new strategies for successful business change.
Study cross-departmental business processes for efficiency and communicate complex findings to leadership.
Ensure organizational practices are consistent with stated business model, mission, and objectives.
Strategic Leadership & Planning:
Direct the development and implementation of strategic, operational, and financial goals aligned with Academic Affairs and university priorities.
Partner with executive leadership to define short- and long-term strategic plans supporting research growth and external partnerships.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, ensuring alignment across research centers, institutes, and academic units.
Develop and implement frameworks to evaluate performance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement efforts.
Operations & Business Process Management:
Lead the analysis of business operations, workflows, and organizational structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Identify opportunities to eliminate redundancies, remove barriers, and streamline cross-functional processes.
Utilize tools such as process maps, organizational charts, and strategy models to support decision-making and recommend improvements.
Ensure operational practices align with institutional goals, metrics, and quality standards.
Oversee administrative services, compliance requirements, and general business functions supporting research initiatives.
Program & Initiative Oversight:
Provide oversight for a portfolio of research centers, institutes, and strategic initiatives within Academic Affairs.
Ensure successful implementation and ongoing management of complex, cross-functional programs.
Support development and scaling of new initiatives aligned with university research priorities.
Monitor program outcomes and recommend adjustments to improve performance and impact.
People Leadership & Organizational Management:
Oversee all aspects of staff management, including recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and professional development.
Determine appropriate organizational structures and staffing models to support evolving needs.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment across functional areas.
Ensure competency and development of managers and staff through ongoing coaching and training.
Financial & Resource Management:
Direct planning and administration of budgets, including forecasting staffing, capital, and operating needs.
Analyze financial performance, market trends, and resource utilization to inform decision-making.
Ensure responsible stewardship of resources in alignment with institutional priorities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development:
Serve as a key liaison across internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration.
Support development of strategic partnerships with academic, industry, and community organizations.
Promote research programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to strengthen institutional relationships and outcomes.
Service Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
Ensure high-quality service delivery by proactively addressing stakeholder feedback, concerns, and opportunities.
Support the University's continuous quality improvement initiatives through data-driven decision-making.
Participate in university-wide committees to develop policies, improve services, and strengthen operations.
Problem Solving & Decision-Making:
Exercise independent judgment in managing operations, programs, and staff while aligning with executive direction.
Resolve complex organizational, operational, and stakeholder issues impacting research and service delivery.
Make informed decisions regarding budget allocation, program development, and operational priorities.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
Bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a Master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Experience working in higher education.
Familiarity with University of Utah systems and procedures.
Experience or educational background in STEM-related fields.