Position Details Position Information
Position Title Associate Vice Provost for Research Administration
Requisition # S01475P
FLSA Exempt
Location IIT-Mies Campus (MC), 10 West 35th St., Chicago
Department Research Administration
GENERAL DESCRIPTION Located in the heart of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a Carnegie R2 university recognized for its strengths in applied research, innovation, and community impact. With a growing research ecosystem that includes federally funded centers, industry consortia, and interdisciplinary institutes, the university is a leader in fields such as energy, health, AI, cybersecurity, food safety, quantum science, and advanced manufacturing.
Illinois Tech's urban location offers unique advantages. The university is within close proximity to Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and corporate R&D hubs in pharmaceuticals, engineering, and finance. The city also hosts a thriving startup and tech incubator ecosystem that enhances opportunities for public-private partnerships, technology transfer, and collaborative innovation.
The Office of Research supports the work of more than 200 research-active faculty, ensuring compliance, enabling access to resources, and fostering external collaboration. The AVP will be a key leader in advancing Illinois Tech's mission through operational excellence and strategic foresight in research administration.
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), a nationally ranked, private, technology-focused research university in Chicago, invites applications for the position of Associate Vice Provost (AVP) for Research Administration. This senior leadership role is a cornerstone of the university's strategy to strengthen and streamline research support services in alignment with Illinois Tech's growing sponsored research activity.
Reporting directly to the Vice Provost for Research, the AVP will provide institutional leadership over the full lifecycle of sponsored research administration, from proposal development to award closeout. Leading a unified and service-oriented team that includes
Pre-Award Services ,
Post-Award Services and Compliance , and
Research Administration Services , the AVP will play a pivotal role in shaping administrative systems and policies, strengthening compliance, and fostering a highly service-oriented culture that empowers faculty and enhances Illinois Tech's national research profile.
Structure of the Office of Research The Office of Research, led by the Vice Provost for Research, is organized around three primary functional areas:
- Research Administration (Awards)
- Research Partnerships
- Research Initiatives
The AVP for Research Administration (Awards) will lead the integrated coordination of these three sponsored programs offices (Pre-Award, Post-Award, Research Admin Services) and work closely with other divisions to support the university's sponsored research enterprise.
Benefits Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here:
COMMUNICATIONS Serves as administrative liaison between IIT and external funding agencies and professional research organizations.
CUSTOMER SERVICE Signs grant and contract applications, necessary assurances and certifications, and grant and contract documents on behalf of IIT as its Authorized Institutional Official; negotiates grant and contract conditions; secures formal acceptance and ensures that all legal and regulatory requirements related to research administration are met.
Critically evaluates grant proposals and pre-award provisions to assure compliance with funding agency and IIT requirements; resolves conflicts; summarizes proposal issues for the Vice Provost for Research and assumes primary responsibility for submission of proposals to funding agencies.
Makes consistent and independent judgment and decisions regarding compliance with IIT policy, federal and state regulations governing grants and contracts.
Special Schedule Requirements N/A
EEOC Statement Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer that welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds who bring varied perspectives and experiences to the university community. The university provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran, or disability status, and any other protected class under applicable state and federal laws and regulations. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.
Qualifications
Education & Experience - Ideal candidates will bring a mix of strategic vision and operational experience, along with many of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Professional engagement with NCURA, SRAI, COGR, or related organizations preferred.
Knowledge & Skills At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, preferably at a research-intensive university.
- Deep familiarity with federal sponsor policies (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD), Uniform Guidance, and grants management systems.
- Demonstrated success leading and integrating pre- and post-award functions, including budget review, contract negotiation, compliance, and financial reporting.
- Proven ability to build and mentor diverse, high-performing administrative teams.
- Experience with policy development, cross-unit coordination, and enterprise system implementation (e.g., Cayuse or similar).
SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY Interviews, trains, evaluates and manages staff.
Physical Environment and Requirements N/A
Certifications and Licenses
List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred. A level of knowledge normally acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibility Leadership of Awards and Sponsored Research - Oversee the entire Awards infrastructure, including Pre-Award services, Post-Award accounting and compliance, and Research Administration Services.
- Build a cohesive and collaborative management team across the three units to deliver seamless research support throughout the grant lifecycle.
- Champion a culture of customer service, responsiveness, and shared accountability across the sponsored research operation.
Percentage Of Time 25
Key Responsibility Strategic and Operational Planning - Develop and execute strategies to support Illinois Tech's research growth objectives through administrative innovation and policy alignment.
- Leverage analytics and performance metrics to identify gaps, increase efficiency, and inform resource allocation.
Percentage Of Time 25
Key Responsibility Faculty Engagement and Process Improvement - Partner with faculty and academic units to reduce administrative burden and enhance support for proposal development and award management.
- Coordinate training programs and resource development to increase understanding of research administration best practices.
- Drive adoption of modern digital research administration tools and automated workflows to improve efficiency and transparency.
Percentage Of Time 25
Key Responsibility Compliance, Risk, and Institutional Authority - Serve as a designated institutional authority for research administration policies and transactions, including F&A negotiations, effort certification, and cost-share exceptions.
- Ensure regulatory and sponsor compliance in collaboration with the Research Compliance and General Counsel offices.
- Develop and enforce policies and standard operating procedures aligned with federal and sponsor expectations.
Percentage Of Time 25
Posting Information
Work Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Position Category Full Time
Posting Date 09/19/2025
Closing Date Posted Until Filled Yes
Quicklink for Posting
