Director - Research Administration Operations

Director – Research Administration Operations

Department: RI Administration – Research Administration

The Director, Research Administration Operations (DRAO) serves as a strategic partner and operational leader for the research administration portfolio. This position ensures alignment across executive priorities, manages internal cross‑functional projects, and oversees administrative functions that support senior leadership. Acting as an integrator and execution partner, the role drives organizational coherence and operational excellence. The DRAO plays a critical role in advancing Research Administration's vision and priorities by coordinating strategic operations, tracking key initiatives and projects, and fostering alignment across the leadership team.

The position supervises the Executive Operations department, which provides executive support for leadership and portfolio‑wide activities, and works closely with the Vice Chancellor for Research's Director of Operations and Special Projects to ensure coordination and consistency across shared initiatives.

• Strategic Leadership & Coordination
  • Oversee and direct administrative support for the research administration portfolio.
  • Lead strategy and content development for major meetings (e.g., supervisor meetings, VCR assembly), ensuring alignment with leadership priorities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between executives and the administrative team.
• Advance Operational Effectiveness
  • Represent the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Research (SAVCR) in advancing special initiatives within Research Administration requiring coordination across multiple units (e.g., process improvement, policy development).
  • Lead the execution of planned initiatives across Research Administration, from concept and planning through implementation, evaluation, and logistics to promote collaboration and efficiency.
  • Track initiatives progress, ensure timely completion, and provide regular updates to leadership.
  • Drive cross‑functional execution by removing blockers and escalating issues to the SAVCR, ensuring collaboration across Research Administration finance, contracts, compliance, clinical operations, and IT.
  • Design and implement process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and resource utilization.
  • Research and apply innovative strategies and best practices to optimize organizational performance.
• Operational Oversight
  • Manage operational initiatives including SOP development, annual planning, and file retention standards.
  • Oversee facilities, office equipment, badge access, and compliance processes.
  • Supervise staff responsible for event planning and executive travel coordination, ensuring processes align with organizational priorities and standards.
• Workforce Strategy
  • Develop and implement strategies for the portfolio (e.g., workforce planning, role alignment).
  • Partner with central HR & administrative staff for execution of HR Analyst role tasks (onboarding, forms, etc.).
  • Develop organizational staffing plans and ensure that employees with the appropriate experience and skills are hired, onboarded, trained, supervised, have individual goals and development plans; conduct annual performance evaluations and, where necessary, implement appropriate employee discipline.
  • Ensure area employees conduct activities in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with KUMC Policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Ensure all work performed by employees in the area is done in a safe and secure manner.
  • Direct coordination of area work with other areas of KUMC to ensure integration and support of KUMC goals and objectives.
  • Maintain personal level of subject matter expertise necessary to ensure the area activities are carried out on best‑practice basis.
  • Participate in and/or lead appropriate committees, task force, or other similar activities assuring optimal resource utilization.
  • Ensure that necessary electronic data collection, storage and retrieval systems are implemented and used by area personnel in an appropriate fashion.
  • Ensure that the area maintains any certifications desired by KUMC to further…