Associate Vice President of Operations, Cause Research Institute

$112,290 - $151,590/Yr

Unclassified

Part-time - Senior

Remote

1,001-5,000 employees

About the position

The Associate Vice President of Operations (AVPO) for the Cause Research Institute (CRI) is a pivotal senior leadership role that reports directly to the Executive Vice President/Executive Director (EVP/ED) of the CRI. This position is responsible for assisting the EVP/ED in strategic development, operational management, and oversight of the institute's goals related to research, scholarship, and professional practice. The AVPO will oversee all internal operations and act as a trusted advisor to the EVP/ED, representing the CRI and managing projects and initiatives to achieve the institute's objectives. In this role, the AVPO will provide strategic guidance and oversight specifically in the areas of Research, Scholarship, and Practice, as well as Research Administration. The AVPO will direct the day-to-day operations of the CRI, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across its four functional areas. Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and administrators, is crucial to fostering a collaborative and supportive research-focused environment. The AVPO will collaborate with the CRI team to define goals, objectives, and performance metrics to measure operational success, assist the EVP/ED with cost analyses and fundraising efforts, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the CRI. The AVPO will also manage high-priority projects aligned with the CRI's mission and strategic vision, build relationships with key constituents, and coordinate with various offices and stakeholders. This includes leading research efforts, analyzing operations, and participating in institutional planning and policy development. The AVPO will provide guidance and support to CRI research and scholarship scholars, ensuring alignment with the university's programs and initiatives. Initially, the AVPO will not have supervisory responsibilities for the first three months but will assist in the hiring process as the institute begins to expand its team. The AVPO will also manage the relationship with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight of the CRI, specifically in Research, Scholarship, and Practice, and Research Administration.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of the CRI, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of all its four functional areas.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Collaborate with the CRI team to define goals, objectives, and performance metrics to measure operational success.
• Assist the EVP/ED with various cost analyses, projections, reports, and fundraising efforts.
• Foster a team-focused culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the CRI.
• Anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance to CRI operations.
• Support the institute with decision-making authority in the absence of the EVP/ED.
• Act as a lead researcher and author, writing, editing, and coordinating the preparation of special reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Manage high-priority projects designed to achieve the CRI's mission and strategic vision.
• Lead research efforts, analyze, and study operations affecting the University-wide, intradepartmental, or interdepartmental operations.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of research, scholarship, and professional practice initiatives within the CRI.
• Provide guidance and support to CRI research and scholarship scholars.

Requirements

• A master's degree in a relevant field, such as education, social sciences, or a related discipline, is required; a doctoral degree is preferred.
• At least twelve (12) years of experience supporting a newly developing institute focusing on research, scholarship, and professional practice goals.
• Successful experience of refereed publications and funding of sponsored projects/grants.
• Documented faculty experience, including teaching, research, and service.
• Proven experience working with diverse populations and demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience in higher education strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a dynamic, hybrid, technology-driven enterprise preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a senior leadership role within a research-focused institute.
• Familiarity with university operations and governance.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising efforts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive well-being benefits for employees and their families.
• Competitive pay and benefits packages.
• Development and advancement opportunities.
• Remote-first work perks.