The Research Development Office Operations Specialist develops, implements, and manages programs, systems and processes to ensure efficient and effective workflows. Reporting to the ERIK Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Development (AVP), the Operations Specialist also serves as administrative, business, and project manager for the Research Development team, responsible for the efficient operations and professional image of the office. This role is the primary liaison between the unit and leaders and stakeholders internal and external to OSU. In addition, the Operational Specialist will support the AVP by planning and organizing high level events and conferences, overseeing travel arrangements, creating reports and memos, and supporting the administrative operations. This role serves as the units financial liaison and workday administrator and will be responsible for administering funding programs managed by the unit with minimal oversight. Successful candidates will demonstrate solid planning and organizational skills along with attention to detail, critical analysis, problem solving, and decision-making skills. In addition, successful candidates should be self-motivated, able to work effectively with limited supervision.
This position requires a successful completion of a background check.
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a "standby" position.
Job Responsibilities:
Ensure effective day-to-day operations for the Research Development unit and serve as administrative, business, and project manager for the Research Development team.
Participates in all aspects of planning, development, and implementation of Research Development programs, with direction from the AVP.
Works with Associate Vice President and the Research Development Team to oversee, develop, and implement standard operating procedures and engage in continuous process improvement. Identifies and communicates opportunities for process improvement.
Responsible for the efficient operations and professional image of the office. Serves as the primary liaison between the unit and leaders and stakeholders internal and external to OSU.
Work with Communications and Marketing to ensure appropriate communications to University community regarding programs and activities of the Office of the Vice President for Knowledge Enterprise.
Oversees and maintains daily operations through planning and organizing high level events and conferences, overseeing travel arrangements, creating reports and memos, and supporting the administrative operations
Serve as backup administrator/manager for electronic tracking and reporting systems including SmartSheets, SPIN, and Limited Competitions.
Administer Research Development-managed funding programs including Seed Funds, Travel Funds, and Central Cost-Share support funds.
Work with the Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Development and Research Development team members as applicable to manage all aspects of the application, selection, and monitoring of these programs including such things as developing program guidelines, developing and issuing calls for proposals or other fund availability announcements, providing technical assistance to applicants, checking received proposals for compliance, recruiting and assigning reviewers to proposals, designing reviewer rubrics or other evaluation tools, compiling and analyzing data regarding applications and reviews
Work with Communications and Marketing to ensure appropriate communications for unit-managed funding programs.
Represent Research Development and support the broader University research community through professional development and networking activities and performing other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Research Development.
Contribute to a collegial community of practice among the Research Development team, colleagues across the Enterprise for Research, Innovation, and Knowledge (ERIK) organization, as well as counterparts in related roles across the university to advance the functional cohesiveness of the extended Research community at Ohio State.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelors degree
4 years of experience in work related to office or program administration; program development, tracking, and reporting; or project management.
Expertise with Microsoft Office suite of software tools (e.g. MS Word, Excel, PPT)
experience working with databases, and working knowledge and experience with project management tools, teaming platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams), and virtual meeting tools
Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality
Desired Qualifications:
Advanced degree
4-8 years related experience
Experience working in a university environment
Experience with Process Improvement/Continuous Improvement
Project Management Certification(s)
A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted to be considered for this position.
Position mapping: Research Development Partnerships 3
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.