Sr. Research Operations Manager (Research Administration)

We are seeking a Sr. Research Operations Manager who will lead, direct, and execute various initiatives from concept to implementation with a high level of independence. The Sr. Research Operations Manager will oversee a portfolio of key projects, ensuring that all assigned projects successfully meet institutional goals, deliver impactful results, and drive excellence. Additionally, the Manager supports and mentors other project managers and staff, ensuring best practices in project management are followed.

This position is responsible for ensuring the successful completion of a portfolio of projects within the approved schedule, scope, and budget, and escalating major risks and issues to division/department leaders as appropriate. In partnership with other project stakeholders, the Manager leads the design and implementation of individual projects.

The Sr. Research Operations Manager serves as the senior operational partner to the Vice Dean for Research (VDR), translating school-wide research priorities into coordinated, measurable action. The position provides the connective infrastructure needed for initiatives that span faculty, research programs, administrative offices, centers, and institutional partners and that do not sit naturally within a single existing unit.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the scope of projects, including goals, timelines, budgets, and objectives.
• Oversee and execute project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies, and monitor and report on progress and outcomes.
• Complete activities/deliverables required to complete the projects, including analysis, benchmarking, data collection, and deliverable development.
• Identify and resolve conflicts, challenges, or barriers that may arise during the project lifecycle and escalate them as appropriate.
• Serve in various project roles as necessary to fill gaps and ensure projects proceed as needed.
• May oversee project teams and resources, including project managers and staff from other departments.
• Oversee key project deliverables, including project plans, budgets, timelines, status reports, presentation materials, reports, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Participate in the risk, issue, and change resolution process, and work with other leaders to take corrective action as needed.
• Serve as a key decision maker for the projects.
• Interface with key leaders to help define project priorities and communicate project risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Monitor KPIs for special projects, reporting progress and status to senior leaders.
• Oversee and collaborate with project teams and resources, including project managers and staff from other departments.
• Draft project deliverables, including written reports, presentations, spreadsheets, and data visualizations.