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.

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, 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 multiple sources including foundation, state, and federal; advance a cohesive and vibrant trans-institutional research agenda; and build strategic partnerships around shared priorities in research. The VP-RI works with the Vanderbilt University Research Council (VURC) in advocating for the research and scholarship missions of all disciplines at Vanderbilt.

• 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.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• 1+ years of research-related experience is required.
• 3+ 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 is 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 is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, a collaborative spirit, and service orientation is required.
• Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.
• 3+ years of experience in administrative support is preferred.
• Prior experience working with university faculty in higher education is preferred.
• Strong interest in the field of research development is preferred.