Overview

Job Location:
Kansas City Metro Area

Department:

RI Strategic Initiatives

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Research Development Office

Position Title:

RDO Operations Manager – Research Development

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The RDO Operations Manager plays a pivotal role overseeing daily operations for the Research Development Office (RDO), and includes leading the examination, optimization, implementation, and auditing of RDO operational efficiencies with regards to project management processes and procedures. This is a highly visible position dedicated to building and nurturing efficacious internal relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership across KU/KUMC and with external collaborators to enhance RDO operations and meet the goal of increased research funding per KUMC strategic planning. The incumbent will help document and streamline RDO processes, provide effective departmental support, and drive progress in various operational areas, including coordinating and assisting with new employee onboarding. This position will report to the RDO Director and provide administrative and project planning, setup, management, and closeout input and support.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Direct large/complex research project application planning, setup, management, and closeout to facilitate efficient day-to-day operations and smooth transitions between multiple projects, with input from RDO Director and staff as needed.

  • Lead the development, documentation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and refinement of RDO processes, tools, and workflows, with input from RDO Director and staff as needed.

  • Manage RDO event and special event planning, including periodic research networking events that promote collaboration, project team building, and idea-sharing among researchers. (e.g., targeted workshops, sponsor program officer visits, other funded events, etc.).

  • Establish and cultivate relationships, plus lead effective communications between internal and external stakeholders and collaborators.

  • Lead partnering and exchange efforts between RDO and Research Training & Communications with regards to opportunities, communications, website updates, or training initiatives.

  • Lead the coordination of efforts between KU-L and KUMC RDOs, including joint training to educate faculty and staff around research development or special events to build collaborations and multidisciplinary research teams, such as idea sharing gatherings or sponsor/program officer visits.

  • Act as the primary office point of contact and liaison for RDO operations and inquiries, including requests for RDO support/consultations.

  • Attend meetings and functions on behalf of the RDO Director in the event of their absence and fill in for other matters as deputized.

  • Manage access to and training for RDO secure project files and file sharing/collaboration with KU Information Technology.

  • Oversee the overall hiring and onboarding process for new RDO employees, including hiring committee coordination, interviews, new employee orientation, required training, communications, Workday support, and integration into the team.

  • Contribute as appropriate to other RDO projects and initiatives.

Work Environment

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not usually subject the employee to any unpleasant elements.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in business, project management, operations, or closely related field. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Experience used to substitute education is in addition to any required work experience.      

Work Experience:

  • Minimum seven (7) years of experience in a highly customer service-oriented office, with demonstrated operational support and project management knowledge in an institution of higher education setting, corporate environment, or healthcare institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

  • Master’s degree in business, project management, operations, or closely related field

Certifications/Licenses:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM)

  • Certified Operations Manager (COM)

Work Experience:

  • Minimum ten (10) years of experience in a highly customer service-oriented office, with demonstrated operational support and project management knowledge in an institution of higher education setting, corporate environment, or healthcare institution.

Skills:

  • Advanced organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously and on time in a complex environment with minimal supervision.

  • Advanced communication and interpersonal skills as evidenced by application materials, including the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders and positively influence outcomes.

  • Advanced attention to detail and the ability to proactively make independent decisions or judgement calls and execute them with minimal supervision.

  • Advanced competence in personal computing and with Microsoft Office software, especially Microsoft Teams, plus workflow and database software.

  • Advanced ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including researchers, faculty, funding agencies, external entities, collaborators, and industry partners.

  • Advanced analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and emotional intelligence.

  • Proficient experience with electronic HR management/tracking systems, e.g., Workday.

  • Proficient experience with REDCap database creation and management.

  • Proficient knowledge of research administration principles and grant project management concepts.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Documents:

  • Resume/CV

  • Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Salary

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above. 

Pay Range:

$65,000.00 – $99,000.00

Minimum

$65,000.00

Midpoint

$82,000.00

Maximum

$99,000.00