Associate Vice President for Research Development and Strategic Partnerships

Merrimack College - Andover, MA

Full-time

Andover, MA

Educational Services

About the position

Merrimack College invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice President For Research Development and Strategic Partnerships (AVP). As the college embarks on the path to becoming a Carnegie Classified R2 institution, Merrimack seeks a highly motivated and experienced individual who will join a very strong research leadership team and will be crucial in building the research enterprise and nurturing a vibrant culture of research across the College. The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, and coeducational college nestled in the Boston suburbs of Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, and is an institution with great upward momentum. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Merrimack ranked 4 for Most Innovative Schools making improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities. U.S. News also ranked the College at 37 in the Regional Universities North category. Founded in 1947 by the Archbishop of Boston and the Order of St. Augustine, Merrimack strives to cultivate global citizens who are prepared to lead in today's diverse and changing environment. Merrimack offers graduate programs and nearly 100 undergraduate programs in liberal arts, science and engineering, business, nursing and health sciences, and education and social policy. The College has over 4,000 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students from 38 states and 37 countries who form an engaged community of thinkers, learners, and achievers integrated into an academic culture of excellence. In the last five years, undergraduate enrollment has increased approximately 20 percent, graduate enrollment has increased 55 percent, and Merrimack has hired more than 80 new faculty in that same time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the College's research development strategies, including proposal development, grant writing, and identification of key funding opportunities that advance institutional priorities, particularly in STEM fields.
• Provide education and training to faculty and researchers on best practices for securing grants and managing research projects.
• Collaborate with academic schools and divisions to identify and promote interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Promote a culture of research within the academic community, encouraging faculty and students to engage in meaningful research activities, including engagement in research development opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to promote research collaborations and funding opportunities.
• Represent the college at conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance visibility and attract potential partners.
• Leverage partnerships to create opportunities for student engagement in research.
• Help develop and implement the College's technology transfer and commercialization efforts, ensuring that innovative research translates into real-world applications.
• Work with faculty, staff, and industry partners to identify commercial opportunities and support the development of startup companies.
• Foster an entrepreneurial mindset among faculty and students to encourage the commercialization of research.
• Act as a member of the leadership team for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline research processes and enhance operational efficiency.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of research initiatives and partnerships, providing regular reports to senior leadership.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in research administration and development, grant writing, or related fields, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven track record of securing funding from federal, state, and private sources and developing corporate partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the research landscape and trends in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative approach to management.

Nice-to-haves

• Doctoral degree in a sponsored research-relevant field.
• Experience in developing and managing large-scale research initiatives or centers.
• Familiarity with technology transfer, commercialization processes, and intellectual property management.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends that impact research and partnerships.
• Core values that align with the mission and values of Merrimack College.