Note: The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Job Code: 4124

Job Grade: L

The Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDOR) at Stanford catalyzes and safeguards a thriving research ecosystem through partnership. We provide value-added support and compliance guidance to the independent units residing in VPDOR and the university as a whole. We aim to enable interdisciplinary innovation while ensuring the public trust; uphold a culture of integrity and operational excellence; and to celebrate the depth and breadth of the diversity of individuals and ideas. We value accountability, collaboration, inclusivity, a growth mindset, and open communication.

The VPDOR dean’s office is looking for a Director of Research Administration and Compliance. Working under the direction of the Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration, the Director provides leadership guidance and compliance oversight for the $80-90 million annual sponsored research portfolio at VPDOR. The Director directs the implementation of certain university-level research compliance policies for the Dean of Research. The Director also magnetizes and mobilizes research administrators of all ranks at VPDOR to build community, provide onboarding and training, and promote staff growth. 

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who has strong experience in fiscal management of dynamic sponsored research, who is passionate about research compliance and policies, who is committed to operational excellence and customer services, who excels at relationship building and influencing in a shared governance environment, and who leads with example, engagement, and integrity. This critical position carries a high degree of visibility and requires close collaboration with the faculty, research administrators, staff directors in independent academic units, research policy experts in the VPDOR dean’s office, research administration leaders in other schools, the Office of Research Administration, the Office of General Council, along with external partners.

For consideration, applications must include, as separate documents, a letter of interest and a CV or resume.

CORE DUTIES:

• Lead a research administration team of three that focuses on financial integrity, customer service, financial analytics and reporting, auditing and compliance reviews, and other strategic initiatives as directed by the Senior Associate Dean and the Dean.
• Provide leadership guidance and compliance oversight for VPDoR’s annual $80-90 million sponsored research portfolio and 250-300 research proposals across its 18 independent academic units. Ensure that there is proper alignment and coherence related to compliance across all units and grant mechanisms.
• Direct the implementation of university-level research policies with compliance challenges for the Dean of Research, including the review and approval of indirect cost waivers and rare exceptions to the PI eligibility policy.  
• Create a vision for the research administration workforce at VPDOR and implement strategies to balance central management and local deployment. Evaluate the research administration portfolios of independent academic units to ensure they are properly staffed and resourced.
• Co-chair research administration Tiger Team with staff director to provide cross-unit support to special projects and to assist other VPDOR units with research administration needs.
• Direct the evaluation of all sponsored funding and expenditure activities to include analyzing research funding trends and sources, high-level forecasting and planning, annual portfolio and grant submission, and annual fiscal year financials at a high level.
• Develop and present metrics or ad hoc reports in response to requests from faculty and senior leaders.
• Act as the subject matter expert in the areas of both pre-award and post-award management of grants and contracts for VPDOR, including compliance with regulations, terms and conditions, financial management and reporting, and subaward/subcontract issuance and administration.
• Interpret, recommend actions and/or resolve complex issues that span the VPDOR boundary in the policy areas of PI eligibility and criteria for exception, various types of research agreements, and indirect cost waivers.
• Interface with the research administration leaders of other schools, the Office of Research Administration and the Office of General Council. Represent VPDOR in discussing, interpreting, and executing on research administration regulations with these campus stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, research administrators, and staff directors of independent academic units. Be their advocate and strive to balance proper compliance with enabling research.
• Develop and lead a Community of Practice for research administrators of all ranks at VPDOR. Share and incorporate best practices of research administration into existing processes; onboard and mentor new research administrators with staff directors; create opportunities for staff development and mobility; provide regular trainings and communications in partnership with the VPDOR’s dean’s office and the Office of Research Administration.
• Continue to improve on VPDOR research administration procedures, workflows, informal trainings, communication, quality of services, and customer satisfaction.
• Coach and develop a robust research administration team of three. Manage personnel actions including recruitment and retention and performance evaluations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and ten years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience with contracts and grants administration and expertise working with research compliance programs at a tier one research institution, scientific funder, government agency and/or nonprofits.
• Certification in research administration or research compliance a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to influence and motivate constituencies which could span multiple organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated excellent planning, organizational, and execution skills.
• A strategic thinker and creative problem solver with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent judgment and ability to grasp complex subject matter and communicate with all levels of stakeholders.
• A demonstrated ability and gravitas to work with a wide variety of skillsets and personalities to move the ball forward.
• A fast learner who can master the salient details of research administration and compliance and apply that knowledge.
• Display clear and dynamic communications skills- oral, written and presentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to develop relationships that enhance trust and reliability, able to work collaboratively and diplomatically with multiple constituents, often with competing interests.
• A mentor and a coach who ensures access and opportunities are available to all people.  

Certifications and Licenses:

None

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sitting, grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally use a telephone.
• Rarely lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 11-20 pounds.

* - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4124
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: L
• Requisition ID: 86829