"Associate Vice Provost for Research Administration"

General Description:

Located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a Carnegie R2 university recognized for its strengths in applied research, innovation, and community impact. With a growing research ecosystem that includes federally funded centers, industry consortia, and interdisciplinary institutes, the university is a leader in fields such as energy, health, AI, cybersecurity, food safety, quantum science, and advanced manufacturing.

Illinois Tech's urban location offers unique advantages. The university is within close proximity to Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and corporate R&D hubs in pharmaceuticals, engineering, and finance. The city also hosts a thriving startup and tech incubator ecosystem that enhances opportunities for public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and collaborative innovation.

The Office of Research supports the work of more than 200 research-active faculty, ensuring compliance, enabling access to resources, and fostering external collaboration. The AVP will be a key leader in advancing Illinois Tech's mission through operational excellence and strategic foresight in research administration.

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), a nationally ranked, private, technology-focused research university in Chicago, invites applications for the position of Associate Vice Provost (AVP) for Research Administration. This senior leadership role is a cornerstone of the university's strategy to strengthen and streamline research support services in alignment with Illinois Tech's growing sponsored research activity.

Reporting directly to the Vice Provost for Research, the AVP will provide institutional leadership over the full lifecycle of sponsored research administration, from proposal development to award closeout. Leading a unified and service-oriented team that includes Pre-Award Services, Post-Award Services and Compliance, and Research Administration Services, the AVP will play a pivotal role in shaping administrative systems and policies, strengthening compliance, and fostering a highly service-oriented culture that empowers faculty and enhances Illinois Tech's national research profile.

Structure of the Office of Research

The Office of Research, led by the Vice Provost for Research, is organized around three primary functional areas:

• Research Administration (Awards)
• Research Partnerships
• Research Initiatives

The AVP for Research Administration (Awards) will lead the integrated coordination of these three sponsored programs offices (Pre-Award, Post-Award, Research Admin Services) and work closely with other divisions to support the university's sponsored research enterprise.

Department: Research Administration

Position Category: Full Time

Education & Experience:

• Ideal candidates will bring a mix of strategic vision and operational experience, along with many of the following qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional engagement with NCURA, SRAI, COGR, or related organizations preferred.

Knowledge & Skills:

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, preferably at a research-intensive university.

• Deep familiarity with federal sponsor policies (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD), Uniform Guidance, and grants management systems.
• Demonstrated success leading and integrating pre- and post-award functions, including budget review, contract negotiation, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to build and mentor diverse, high-performing administrative teams.
• Experience with policy development, cross-unit coordination, and enterprise system implementation (e.g., Cayuse or similar).