Director, Strategic Research and Innovation Partnerships/Chief of Staff

Position Summary The Director, Strategic Research and Innovation Partnerships reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research, driving the vision, priorities and institutional impact of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR). This role advances the university's research and innovation missions by aligning strategy, execution and partnerships across the university, regional, national and international research and innovation enterprise. Acting on behalf of the VCR, the Director ensures that strategic partnerships and other initiatives are effectively developed, implemented and assessed in order to facilitate cross-campus and external interdisciplinary research and innovation collaborations. Duties Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Enterprise Execution Partner with the VCR and OVCR leadership to shape and advance strategic priorities that strengthen the university’s research and innovation enterprise through coordination of different office and staff within OVCR. Drive external partnerships for the execution of high-impact initiatives aligned with institutional goals, research growth and innovation priorities. Drive programs within the university to unify, centralize, strengthen research and entrepreneurship across campus. Monitor progress and outcomes, ensuring accountability and measurable impact. Operational Organizational Effectiveness Lead cross-functional coordination of OVCR initiatives, ensuring alignment, efficiency and timely delivery of strategic objectives. Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery across research, innovation and entrepreneurship support functions. Executive Communications Strategic Messaging Coordinate Research Communication Director in the development of high-impact internal and external communications on behalf of the VCR, including presentations, reports, briefing materials and external messaging. Coordinate Research Communication Director to ensure consistent, strategic messaging that elevates institutional research and innovation priorities and accomplishments. Strategic Partnerships Stakeholder Engagement Represent the OVCR in high-level partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders, including academic units, research centers, government agencies, corporate/industry partners, national laboratories and peer institutions, national and international. Facilitate collaboration that expands research capacity, funding opportunities and interdisciplinary initiatives. Decision Support Strategic Analysis Synthesize complex data, trends and policy developments to inform executive decision-making. Provide strategic insights on research funding landscapes, institutional positioning, and emerging opportunities. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.