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The Program Manager, Research Development and Support (RDS) is part of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for managing the limited submissions opportunities (LSO) program, managing the Internal Awards program, and assisting with research development activities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Research Development, this position requires significant autonomy, decision making, problem solving, and discretion on a daily basis. The Program Manager also works closely with the RDS team and faculty to provide research development services.
About the Work Unit:
The Research Development and Support team within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation provides research development and support services to VU leadership, faculty, and program staff throughout all VU colleges and schools, including networked campuses. The RDS team strives to match the interests and priorities of federal, state, industry, and private foundation sponsors with Vanderbilt’s research and programmatic strengths, as well as to advance the University’s academic, research, and institutional goals through lasting partnerships with sponsors. These partnerships help develop solutions to scientific, technical, and social challenges, as well as enrich the excellence of faculty research and teaching. The RDS team focuses on federal and state funding opportunities, industry opportunities, as well as non-family private foundations supporting scholarly and scientific research via a Request for Proposal (RFP) process; family foundations making a gift to VU are under the purview of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR).
The goal of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation is to promote Vanderbilt’s distinctive research culture, which aspires to improve the human condition through path-breaking discovery and innovation. In addition to overseeing the university’s research portfolio on all sites, the VP-RI also oversees the implementation of the university’s 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, federal, and philanthropic; 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:
- Working independently, manage the limited submissions opportunities (LSO) program, including proactively identifying opportunities, managing internal competitions, maintaining faculty review committees, recruiting ad hoc reviewers, and coordinating with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) on shared opportunities.
- Working independently, manage the Internal Awards program. Management includes all aspects of the program, such as publicity and outreach (webinars), maintaining multiple faculty reviewer committees, and handling correspondence with all stake holders.
- Determine when LSO and Internal Awards programs’ issues should be brought to the attention of the Executive Director of Research Development. Present and advise on solutions to challenges, and improvements to policies and procedures.
- Provide assistance with research development activities (e.g., performing funding searches, researching sponsors). Coordinate extensively with the entire RDS team to enable consistent and accurate information to be presented to faculty researchers.
- Work with RDS/OVPRI team to develop and implement reports displaying various RDS metrics.
- When required, serve as RDS liaison for University offices such as Development and Alumni Relations, and Marketing and Communications. Advise on processes for various systems. e.g., VandyQuest, InfoReady, and website development programs.
- Serve as a team member to support university-wide, multi-institution, interdisciplinary research proposals including coordinating meetings, evaluating, or producing content, and information gathering.
- Work with limited supervision, coordinating with RDS staff, to produce events, such as workshops for faculty on grant writing and campus visits by federal and private funding agency representatives.
Work Environment:
Hybrid role – will need to be in the office 3 days each week, with 2 days remote.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Research Development.
Education and Certifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
- A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- At least two years of research-related experience is required.
- At least three years of experience in a professional office setting are required.
- Proven experience in decision making. Good judgment and discretion required.
- Strong analytical, writing, and communications skills are required.
- Proven experience in prioritizing and multi-tasking is required.
- Proven commitment to accuracy and thoroughness is required.
- General working knowledge of the Microsoft Office software suite is required.
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, a high level of accuracy, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment are required.
- Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, a collaborative spirit, and service orientation are required.
- Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Prior experience working with university faculty in higher education is preferred.
- Strong interest in the field of research development is preferred.