Associate Director, Research

Arizona State University; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise (KE) Research Project Management Office (PMO) seeks an Associate Director, Research to lead strategic initiatives and oversee complex research projects. This role combines project management expertise with organizational leadership to align RPMO resources with KE priorities.

The Associate Director will guide staff development, strengthen cross-team collaboration, and drive continuous improvement in processes, tools, and governance across a busy

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 7 years experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; or an equivalent combination of experience/training.
• Experience in university, academic research, or similar complex research environment preferred.
• Project/Program Management Professional certification (PMP PgMP) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the RPMO Director to develop and execute strategic and operational plans that support RPMO growth and long-term objectives.
• Provides leadership and oversight for complex, high-profile research projects and programs, ensuring appropriate resources and support.
• Supervises and mentors RPMO staff, setting expectations and fostering professional development and collaboration.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Risk management

Staff development

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

7+ years experience including 2+ years managerial

Job description

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Description:

The Knowledge Enterprise (KE) Research Project Management Office (PMO) at ASU seeks an energetic, creative, and analytical individual to join us as an Associate Director, Research to help our faculty uncover the lessons of the past, navigate the perils of the present, and reinvent the promise of the future. ASU is evolving into a New American University that achieves excellence, access, and impact. To that end, KE, the home base for research at ASU, is charged with managing and growing a research portfolio that now exceeds $1B annually.

The Associate Director, Research combines research project management expertise with organizational leadership and strategic planning. The position helps identify emerging needs and opportunities across the RPMO portfolio, develops and implements approaches to improve outcomes, and ensures that RPMO staff and resources are effectively aligned with KE priorities. The Associate Director, Research is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment in complex and ambiguous situations, communicate effectively across organizational levels, and foster an environment of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.

• Works closely and collaboratively with the RPMO Director to develop and execute strategic and operational plans that support the growth, effectiveness, and long-term objectives of the RPMO.
• Provides leadership and oversight for complex, high-profile, and/or strategically important research projects and programs, ensuring appropriate project management practices, resources, and support are in place to achieve desired outcomes.
• Supervises, coaches, mentors, and develops assigned RPMO staff; establishes expectations, monitors performance, provides feedback, supports professional development, and fosters an effective and collaborative team environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in a university, academic research, research administration, scientific research, engineering, technology development, or similarly complex research environment.
• Experience leading the planning and execution of large, complex research, scientific, technical, and/or interdisciplinary projects and programs.
• Evidence of Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification.
• Experience supervising, coaching, mentoring, and developing project management personnel.
• Evidence of effective verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing and presenting information, recommendations, or analyses for senior leadership.
• Experience in writing, developing, and/or managing proposals for funding from federal, state, industry, and/or philanthropic sources.
• Demonstrated experience developing or improving project/program management processes, tools, standards, training, and/or organizational capabilities.
• Knowledge of PMBOK project management principles, practices, methods, and techniques needed to manage large, complex, and interrelated research activities.
• Knowledge of budget development, management, forecasting, and resource planning methods and techniques.
• Ability to lead and support complex projects and programs.
• Ability to assess complex situations, identify risks and opportunities, and develop appropriate risk response and mitigation strategies.
• Ability to lead through influence and build effective working relationships across organizational boundaries and with individuals at multiple levels of an organization.
• Ability to establish priorities, allocate resources, and balance strategic and operational requirements across a portfolio of activities.
• Ability to identify and implement opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, consistency, and quality.
• Ability to effectively manage, supervise, and mentor assigned staff.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to non-technical and executive audiences.

Department Statement:

Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all eleven years the category has existed.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco‑free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASUCompensation Estimator

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

About Arizona State University

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.