Executive Director for Research Strategy and Development - Harvard University

Job Summary

The Executive Director for Research Strategy and Development is responsible for developing and executing a vision and strategy to enhance research operations (basic/translational, clinical, and public health and health services research) in line with Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s mission, goals, and priorities. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting the development and submission of competitive proposals, identifying funding sources, and establishing multi-pronged development strategies for research and clinical research. They will collaborate with the Faculty Research Advisory Committee to ensure faculty researchers are set up for success, growth, and recognition.

Position Description

• Develops and executes a vision and strategy for advancing research operations (basic/translational, clinical, and public health and health service) in line with HSDM’s mission, goals, and priorities.
• Responsible for all managerial and operational aspects in the Office of Research, including but not limited to oversight of department personnel (including decisions related to hiring, evaluating, developing, assignment of duties, and terminating), budget, compliance, data integrity, departmental structure, and risk management.
• Collaborates with the Faculty Research Advisory Committee to ensure faculty researchers have a voice in the Office of Research and are set up for success, growth, and recognition.
• Establishes multi-pronged development strategies that incorporate federal, state, philanthropic, and industry-sponsored opportunities in collaboration with internal and external constituents such as the offices of Alumni and Development, External and Corporate Relations, Technology Development, and others.
• Engages with research faculty to understand their research interests to best serve them and the School; cultivates and identifies opportunities for research funding, partnerships, and collaborations; assists faculty with aligning their research with sponsored funding opportunities; strategizes with faculty as needed.
• Establishes, maintains, and models effective and collegial communication within the HSDM research community to enhance cross-departmental collaborations, as well as innovative, multi-disciplinary research proposals.
• Provides guidance and support to faculty developing and submitting competitive research proposals; ensures compliance with institutional and sponsor policies and regulations.
• Establishes metrics to monitor and assess the impact of research activities and efforts to execute the identified research vision and strategy; makes recommendations to the Dean and adjustments as necessary.
• Contributes to the CODA accreditation process by serving on committees, maintaining and providing research-related data, and participating in relevant interviews and meetings.
• Coordinates with the Office of Dental Education and respective program directors to align student and resident research activities.
• Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with internal and external constituents including but not limited to Office of Sponsored Programs, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Enhances the visibility and recognition of faculty research achievements and contributions, both nationally and internationally, through publications, presentations, media, and outreach.
• Foster a culture of research excellence, integrity, diversity, and collaboration within and across the broader community.
• Commits to integrating all aspects of research from the molecular level to the population level and everything in between.
• Serves as a member of the Dean’s Leadership Team; serves on committees and work groups as assigned or selected.
• Contributes to the mission and vision of HSDM and models the School’s core values in all facets of the work.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in biomedical science, public health, health policy, health sciences, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in complex scientific program management, scientific administration of a research center, program, and/or department.
• At least 7 years of supervisory/management experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.
• Ability to work onsite with occasional travel for work purposes.
• Proven track record of securing and managing research grants and contracts from various sources.
• Experience in basic/translational research, clinical research, and public health and health service.
• Experience establishing development strategies.
• Experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in biomedical health research as well as the broader health sciences landscape.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and bring structure to new and complex initiatives.
• Ability to think critically, strategically, creatively, and analytically, and to translate ideas into actionable plans and outcomes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and multiple constituencies.
• Experience overseeing complex research budgets.
• Interest in developing and supporting a strong team.
• A high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards.
• Superior organizational skills with ability to balance multiple priorities, often with competing deadlines.
• Customer service skills worthy of emulation by others.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a typical office setting.
• May be required to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• This position may require spending time in the clinical/lab areas.

Working Conditions

• The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA. Per the University payroll policy all work (including remote) must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business. In order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in a University payroll registered state.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine cannot offer visa support or work permission for this opportunity.

Additional Information

Compensation is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $185,000-$208,000.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

361061 Administrative Manager

Work Format

On-Site

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.