Chief of Staff, ETS Research Division - ETS

About ETS:

For more than 75 years, we have amplified products and services based rigorous research and our belief in the power of learning. Driven by our mission to advance quality and equity in education, ETS provides learning solutions, pioneering research and trusted assessments that help guide learners around the world on their path to new possibilities.

Our portfolio of trusted measures include TOEFL, TOEIC, GRE and Praxis. Along with research, development and innovation that explores new frontiers in learning and measurement our educational measurement solutions and research contribute to the development of new methods and tools, inform important dialogue with education policymakers, and shed light on critical issues and potential solutions - all with the aim of creating a world where all learners can improve their lives through education.

With new senior leadership at the helm, ETS aims to continue changing the lives of all learners as we expand our organization's global footprint. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of assessment and measurement efficacy within the education and ed tech space as it continues to grow and evolve.

The Chief of Staff, Research serves as the right-hand partner and advisor to the Vice President Research within the ETS Reseach Division. The Chief of Staff plans and directs administrative, financial, and operational activities for the division. It is a unique role with a wide array of strategic and tactical responsibilities. This leader is expected to work very closely with Research Division management to ensure accountability, execution, and delivery of critical Research objectives.Working with the VP, the Chief of Staff is the lead driver of financial planning and monitoring, resource allocation, staffing, promotions, cross-functional initiatives, Research-wide programs, day-to-day operations and change management throughout Research. The role partners with internal stakeholders across the organization, including Human Resources, Finance, the Office of the CEO to identify and prioritize impact, as well as implement innovative and valuable solutions. The Chief of Staff reports directly to the Vice President Research.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead administrative support, editorial support, and library services teams to deliver on research support functions to meet operational short- and long-term goals that serve the current and future needs of researchers of diverse backgrounds.
• Lead the daily operations of Research to ensure the division has the proper operational controls, administrative, and reporting procedures to ensure operating efficiency for research activities.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and management of the annual operating budgets in collaboration with the executive leadership team.
• Monitor budget performance against targets, analyzing variances and identifying areas for improvement or corrective action.
• Implement cost-savings initiatives and efficiency measures to optimize financial resources while maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Maintain open lines of communication, understanding staff concerns, and facilitating solutions to enhance overall productivity and morale.
• Act as a trusted resource and advocate for staff concerns, feedback and ideas.
• Partner closely with the Human Resources Division on recruitment, hiring, promotions and other personnel issues.
• Develop systematic, strategic processes and engage in problem resolution for Research; ensure matters requiring the attention of Research leadership are thoroughly developed, researched, and evaluated.
• Drive execution of action items and top priorities of the VP and her executive leadership team.
• Liaise between Research units and various operational functions within ETS, engaging others to the greater purpose for the organization as a whole.
• Operate at a tactical, strategic, and operational level, handling the oversight of projects that do not neatly fit within the organizational chart or that fall between departments or leadership areas of responsibility.
• Proactively follow up with the leadership if and when goals are not being achieved to determine why objectives are not being met. Provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Recommend and participate in the development of policies and procedures; as appropriate, be the Research representative on ETS planning and policy-making committees.
• Ensure compliance in the conduct of research with all relevant regulations; review and advocate for resources to facilitate operations of the division.
• Promote team integration as well as cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts, and help shape and sustain a respectful inclusive culture for employees.
• Communicate and lead in a manner that fosters understanding, employee engagement and commitment to results.
• Develop and lead activities to promote effective and rewarding employee engagement.
• Create and lead administrative processes for internship, fellowship and visiting scholar programs.
• Oversee the direct or indirect supervision of assigned personnel within the Research division and ensure all units reporting to the Research VP are aligned with overall Research and ETS policies, goals, and mission.
• Adhere to ethical standards and comply with the laws and regulations applicable to your job function

Skills:

Ability to articulate an integrated strategy and narrative and develop a plan to bring the strategy to execution.
Proven expertise in planning and executing operational plans, managing projects and/or programs.
In-depth knowledge in the areas of research compliance, including federal regulations and guidelines, sponsored terms and conditions, research administration, data management, conflict of interest in research administration, international collaborations, and other research compliance related areas.
Proven track record in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Excellent interpersonal skills as well as political astuteness and an ability to convey a sense of energy, openness, and optimism with a collaborative, consensus-building, yet decisive management style.
Ability to connect with individuals at all levels of the organization.
A proactive and empathetic approach to supporting staff members and fostering a positive work environment.
A genuine commitment to diversity and an appreciation for different perspectives, experiences, and traditions; passionate about creating an organizational culture that reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion in action.
Demonstrated experience in budget management and cost control, oversight of financial operations, including financial reporting.
Demonstrated ability to partner with others across the organization and externally to exchange information, collaborate on projects, and share resources.
Ability to navigate a complex environment with constantly changing demands, often with competing priorities and seeing projects through completion.
Exhibited knowledge in understanding the pertinent interdependencies within units in Research and with other areas across the organization.

Experience:

• An MBA of aMaster's degree in a related field is required
• A PhD in educational measurement or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of 12 years of leadership and management experience required, preferably in a highly complex organization such as a research institute or other non-profit organization or a university.

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ETS believes in a Total Rewards philosophy for our employees, and they include:

• Health, Vision, Dental insurance plans to choose from
• Generous continuous learning support, from individual learning grants to up to 6 classes a year for tuition reimbursement as well as on-line learning access!
• Generous PTO and vacation time to balance your work and life
• Additional 8 hours of PTO for volunteer work
• Retirement plan (401(a)) and traditional Roth (403b) with company contribution
• Commuter Benefits, Pet Insurance, 1 year subscription to Calm App

ETS is mission driven and action oriented

• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is at the forefront of the ETS employee's daily work. To further foster an inclusive environment ETS is home to a wide variety of Affinity groups that celebrate the diversity of our talented employees.
• How about cultivating growth, innovation, and continuous transformation for the next generation of rising professionals as leaders? ETS offers multiple Business Resource Groups (BRG) for you!
• Are you passionate about volunteering and being active in your career and community? ETS offers our Center for Advocacy & Philanthropy (CAAP) where we encourage ETS employees to become active volunteers in their communities and schools through the ETS Cares Giving Campaign. Our employees can support any 501c3 or eligible charity of their choice.

ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer comprised of people with different experiences, strengths, and backgrounds who share a passion for advancing quality and equity in education. We are dedicated to building teams that reflect the various backgrounds, experiences, and identities of those we serve. The Talent Acquisition team strives to ensure candidates enjoy a fair and equitable hiring process. We believe our differences empower us to be a better team, making better decisions and delivering better results.