AVP, Research Operations & Innovation Leadership

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an Associate Vice President for Research Operations (AVPRO) to provide strategic oversight of administrative and operational infrastructure across the research and innovation ecosystem.

The AVPRO collaborates with institute directors, college leadership, central units, compliance offices, and support teams to foster integrated, efficient operations that empower faculty, staff, and students to achieve world-class research and innovation.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in research administration or academic operations.
• Demonstrated success leading complex administrative systems and cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of research compliance, regulatory frameworks and university governance.
• Ability to build and sustain internal partnerships and lead organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional leadership for research operations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery across the research enterprise.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with internal stakeholders across colleges, institutes, HR, Finance, IT, Sponsored Programs and other units.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and best practices supporting research growth and innovation.
• Lead cross-unit alignment to ensure consistent processes and integrated support structures across the research enterprise.
• Coordinate communication and collaboration among internal partners to enhance large-team efforts and service delivery.
• Oversee ORIs internal operations including finance, facilities, IT, compliance, and administrative services.
• Ensure continuity across ORI units during leadership transitions or major initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between the VPRI and internal stakeholders; execute priorities.
• Lead development of standardized processes and service models that support research efficiency and compliance.
• Coordinate internal workflows and resource allocation to support emerging priorities.
• Represent ORI in committees and cross-campus initiatives focused on research operations and administrative excellence.
• Promote a culture of service excellence for faculty, staff, and students.

Education

Masters

Job description

Michigan State University seeks an Associate Vice President for Research Operations (AVPRO) to provide strategic oversight of administrative and operational infrastructure across the research and innovation ecosystem.

The AVPRO collaborates with institute directors, college leadership, central units, compliance offices, and support teams to foster integrated, efficient operations that empower faculty, staff, and students to achieve world-class research and innovation.