Administrative Director

Job Summary

The Administrative Director reports directly to the Vice Dean for Research and works closely with the Vice Dean on a broad range of administrative, executive, and strategic responsibilities, including special projects and initiatives supporting the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. This role serves as a key partner and representative of the Vice Dean for Research, enabling effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders and supporting fulfillment of institutional priorities and commitments.

This is a highly strategic and facilitative role that frequently operates independently or on behalf of the Vice Dean for Research on initiatives critical to the school's research mission and overall success. The Administrative Director applies independent judgment and strong analytical skills to conduct investigations, develop analyses, and respond to emerging issues based on the needs and direction of the Vice Dean. Responsibilities include key performance indicator (KPI) development and reporting, particularly related to research award activity, expenditure trends, and other research performance metrics, as well as ad hoc analyses to inform leadership decision-making.

The Administrative Director provides operational and administrative leadership support to the Vice Dean for Research and broader membership of the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. The role works closely with members of the SMPH Dean's Office to help set major priorities, coordinate communication strategies, support policy development, and monitor progress on key initiatives and projects. The Administrative Director synthesizes and prioritizes critical issues, data, and background materials to ensure the Vice Dean for Research has timely, accurate, and actionable information to facilitate efficient and effective decision-making.

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
• Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration
  • Strong analytical and investigative skills, with experience conducting data-driven analyses to support leadership decision-making.
  • Proven ability to develop and deliver KPI and performance reporting, particularly related to research funding, awards, and institutional performance metrics.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functional areas (e.g., finance, HR, research administration, compliance) within a complex organizational structure.
  • High level of organizational skill and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Knowledge of research rankings such as Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) and U.S. News and World Report (USNWR)

Key Job Responsibilities

• Directs, implements, and monitors strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources
• Supervises managerial, professional, and support staff of the unit or division and facilitates unit staff developmental opportunities
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Recommends, reviews, and directs personnel resource allocation to ensure appropriate utilization of resources
• Develops and audits administrative operating reports, budgets, policies, and procedures to comply with regulations, institution policies, and business objectives
• Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit