Careers

This is a full time Professional/Administrative position reporting to the Vice President for Research (VPR).

The Assistant Vice President for Research and Chief of Staff (AVP/COS) oversees the operations of the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and aides the VPR with the broad spectrum of executive responsibilities and commitments. This position works closely with the VPR in determining the strategic directions for the office. As a senior advisor, the AVP/COS executes the planning, coordination and implementation of the research agenda including strategic initiatives, priorities, and planning. The position serves as a critical liaison with university leadership, staff and offices and more broadly oversees OVPR stakeholder management of a variety of internal and external constituencies, often serving as a representative of the VPR. The AVP/COS collaborates with key stakeholders to ensure OVPR operations serve the needs of the University research community in an effective and efficient manner. This position directly oversees operations in: Human Resources, Communications and VPR Administrative Support.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans and manages the VPR’s annual agenda of commitments and responsibilities. The Chief of Staff guides the preparation of the Vice President's annual work plan.
• Oversees the timely preparation of materials as requested by the Regents, President, Provost, and Vice Presidents, and ensures prompt responses to a wide variety of external and internal inquiries.
• Advises the VPR on development and execution of research policies, processes, and procedures and collaborates with the relevant parties to facilitate efficient and timely implementation.
• Manages the annual compact/budget and work planning for all OVPR units and aligns the work priorities.
• Ensures annual performance reviews and work plan accountability progress reporting to the VPR.
• Serves as senior analyst and coordinator of institutional research reporting and strategic performance metrics (Annual Report, MPACT 2025, Accountability Report, NSF HERD Survey, as examples)
• Functions as a resource to senior University administrators, college leadership, OVPR staff, and a multiple and diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the VPR as requested at university forums and events maintaining and building relationships.
• Participates in a wide variety of internal and external committees on behalf of the Vice President for Research.
• Oversees the internal shared service functions within the OVPR. These include Communications, Human Resources and the VPR administrative services team.
• Serves as a project manager as needed for strategic initiatives.
• Ensures effective communications and public relations for the OVPR including where necessary appropriate crisis and issues management.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Megan Ferden at suth0059@umn.edu.

Required Qualifications
A master’s or other professional degree is required.
The successful candidate will be committed to inclusive and diverse access to university programs and opportunities. They will have substantial experience setting and leading strategic initiatives, project management as well as driving results and efficiencies. They must be a clear communicator with demonstrated experience with issue and conflict resolution. They will be a change agent with a reputation as a relationship builder who is organized and detail oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in public policy, business, or another related field.
• Experience working in a large public higher education institution or other complex academic environment.
• Experience in research administration.
• Experience handling a diverse portfolio of stakeholders and working with executive leadership.

Key Competencies of the Position

• Results and efficiency driven (accountable)
• Strategic leadership
• Innovative/creative (open minded)
• Nurtures growth (training, development)
• Communicates proactively and clearly
• Issue and conflict management (problem solving)
• Organized and detail oriented
• Relationship building (trustworthy)
• Demonstrates inclusive and diverse access
• Project management
• Change management

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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