Job Details

Research Partnerships & Business Operations

Position Number: 7216130
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Economic and Business Development

Research Partnerships & Business Operations

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Research Partnerships and Planning/Chief Research Officer (CRO), within Academic Affairs (AA) office, this position provides strategic and operational leadership to support the growth of research initiatives and external partnerships under the Academic Affairs umbrella. This role ensures alignment between organizational strategy, research priorities, and operational execution by overseeing business operations, staff management, and cross-functional coordination across the university.

This position may be filled at either the Associate Director or Director level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

This role leads the analysis and optimization of business operations to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with institutional objectives. The role drives agility in decision-making, identifies inefficiencies, eliminates duplicative work, and fosters integration across academic, research, and administrative units. This position supports a dynamic and evolving portfolio of research centers, institutes, and initiatives within Academic Affairs.

Serving as both an internal and external-facing leader, this role acts as a central liaison across units including the President's Office, colleges across campuses, Economic Development, UCareer Corporate Engagement, Academic Affairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR), Advancement, Health Sciences, Facilities, Central Communications, HR, and other key partners.

This position will partner closely with executive leadership to define organizational goals, shape strategic plans, and ensure effective execution. This role applies advanced business analysis methodologies (e.g., process mapping, organizational design, and strategy alignment tools) to evaluate and improve institutional effectiveness, ensuring practices align with the University's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities
Direct/Manage/Supervise the analysis of the organization's business operations to ensure strategic initiatives are aligned with corporate objectives. Help drive speed and agility in decision making, identify areas to eliminate duplicative work, remove barriers to progress, and accelerate stronger integration across business units and functions. Focus on business process (work activities, workflows, work activity procedures, mechanisms, roles, organization reporting relationships, etc.) and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Utilize business analysis related models and diagrams such as process maps, organizational structure diagrams, strategy maps, role reporting relationships, etc. to aid in proposing new strategies for successful business change. Study cross-departmental business processes for efficiency and communicate complex findings to leadership. Ensure organizational practices are consistent with stated business model, mission, and objectives.

Department Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Direct the development and implementation of strategic, operational, and financial goals aligned with Academic Affairs and university priorities
Partner with executive leadership to define short- and long-term strategic plans supporting research growth and external partnerships
Translate strategic priorities into actionable initiatives, ensuring alignment across research centers, institutes, and academic units
Develop and implement frameworks to evaluate performance, effectiveness, and continuous improvement efforts
Operations & Business Process Management
Lead the analysis of business operations, workflows, and organizational structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness
Identify opportunities to eliminate redundancies, remove barriers, and streamline cross-functional processes
Utilize tools such as process maps, organizational charts, and strategy models to support decision-making and recommend improvements
Ensure operational practices align with institutional goals, metrics, and quality standards
Oversee administrative services, compliance requirements, and general business functions supporting research initiatives
Program & Initiative Oversight
Provide oversight for a portfolio of research centers, institutes, and strategic initiatives within

Academic Affairs

Ensure successful implementation and ongoing management of complex, cross-functional programs
Support development and scaling of new initiatives aligned with university research priorities
Monitor program outcomes and recommend adjustments to improve performance and impact
People Leadership & Organizational Management
Oversee all aspects of staff management, including recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and professional development
Determine appropriate organizational structures and staffing models to support evolving needs
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team environment across functional areas
Ensure competency and development of managers and staff through ongoing coaching and training
Financial & Resource Management
Direct planning and administration of budgets, including forecasting staffing, capital, and operating needs
Analyze financial performance, market trends, and resource utilization to inform decision-making
Ensure responsible stewardship of resources in alignment with institutional priorities

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Development

Serve as a key liaison across internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration
Support development of strategic partnerships with academic, industry, and community organizations
Promote research programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to strengthen institutional relationships and outcomes
Service Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Ensure high-quality service delivery by proactively addressing stakeholder feedback, concerns, and opportunities
Support the University's continuous quality improvement initiatives through data-driven decision-making
Participate in university-wide committees to develop policies, improve services, and strengthen operations
Problem Solving & Decision-Making
Exercise independent judgment in managing operations, programs, and staff while aligning with executive direction
Resolve complex organizational, operational, and stakeholder issues impacting research and service delivery
Make informed decisions regarding budget allocation, program development, and operational priorities
Ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements

Associate Director, Business Operations Analysis ManagementThird-level manager. Manages the activities of first-level and second-level managers and/or supervisors. Responsible for hiring, firing, performance appraisals, and pay reviews. Broad knowledge of the field with proven leadership skills.Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.This is an Associate Director-Level position in the Management track.
Director, Business Operations Analysis ManagementFirst-level director. Assists executives and/or senior directors in defining organizational goals and strategic plans. Extensive business knowledge with comprehensive understanding of the organization and functional area.Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.This is a Director-Level position in the Management track.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Associate Director, Business Operations Analysis Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience.
Director, Business Operations Analysis Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Experience working in higher education
Familiarity with University of Utah systems and procedures
Experience or educational background in STEM-related fields

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45263B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00002 - EVPAA - Academics
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $100,000 - $125,000
Close Date: 7/28/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/203154