Executive Director of Research Initiatives – Office of the Vice President for Research
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Provides support and counsel to the Vice President and senior leaders on matters of strategic, operational, and tactical importance. Keeps the group apprised of emerging issues.
- Provides high-level analysis on a broad range of complex research opportunities and issues, makes recommendations for action or resolution.
- Facilitates effective and efficient decision-making processes by gathering data, assembling appropriate stakeholders, and formulating recommendations.
- Supports the Vice President in managing relationships with internal and external constituencies and balancing commitments to the greatest strategic effect.
- Provides project management on special initiatives that are viewed as being critical to the organization by the Vice President. Coordinates activities and project meetings, and reports on progress.
- Ensures that team members and stakeholders are aligned and working in concert to achieve the shared objectives.
- Researches and prepares reports, briefings, presentations, remarks, responses on institutional and strategic issues, and/or engages others to do so.
- Interacts with constituents from across the campus and outside of the university to make certain that office initiatives and actions are aligned and synergistic with the strategic plan.
- Provides support for the Vice President to the Board of Trustees, University Research Council, other advisory boards and committees.
- Represents the Vice President and other senior leaders with diverse constituencies inside and outside of the university, as appropriate. Includes attending events, committees, or boards, and presenting information.
- Assesses inquires directed to the Vice President, determines the proper course of action, and delegates to the appropriate individual to manage the response.
- Develops and reviews items for the Vice President’s signature, including verifying facts and policy compliance, evaluating problems, presenting alternative options, and preparing responses.
- Carries out projects that are highly sensitive and confidential in nature.
- Completes other duties as assigned, which may include simple tasks such as maintaining electronic records, organizing calendars, or making phone calls.
- Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy and the ability to effectively interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies.
- High administrative and analytical skills, able to see patterns, be a fast thinker, and make decisions with attention to accuracy, detail and local context.
- Skilled supervisor and coach, able to motivate or inspire both junior and senior staff.
- Proven ability to effectively organize, prioritize and perform multiple job functions and conflicting priorities, meet deadlines with short turn-around times, and manage changing situations.
- Experienced in researching and preparing executive level documents, reports, presentations, and remarks.
- Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills to manage complex tasks and/or those that require balancing competing interests.
- Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality with discretion and good judgement.
- Fast learner, result driven, accepts and acts on all forms of feedback to effect change.
- Demonstrate patience, reliability, composure and stability under pressure.
- Adaptable and open to change as the office and university evolves.
- Education: Ph.D. or other terminal degree in discipline of relevance to Carnegie Mellon’s research and innovation portfolio.
- Experience: A minimum of 8 years of experience supporting technical management is required. Experience with federal, state, and industry strategy and policy engagement, working in a higher education environment preferred.
- A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
- Successful background check
- Work Posture: With the importance of stakeholder relationships, the role is primarily in person on campus with some remote/ hybrid flexibility.
- Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
- Security Clearance: A security clearance or ability to obtain a security clearance is preferred.
- Travel Requirements: This position may require travel both domestically and internationally.
Ferra Executive SearchPlease use ‘CMU Executive Director of Research Initiatives” as the subject line when you contact Kevin.Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!Location Pittsburgh, PAJob Function Program, Project and Operations ManagementPosition Type Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time Full timePay Basis SalaryMore Information:Please visit “ ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.Click to view a listing of employee benefitsCarnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.