Sr. Associate Vice Provost for Research Operations

Johns Hopkins University seeks a seasoned senior executive with demonstrated success in both high-level strategic planning and daily execution within a large research-intensive university, preferably one with an academic medical center. Reporting jointly to the Vice Provost for Research and the Vice Provost and Chief Risk Officer, the Sr. Associate Vice Provost for Research Operations (SAVPRO) is responsible for oversight of a cohesive and flexible team that supports faculty and research staff in conducting externally funded research and scholarly activity. The SAVPRO will also be a partner in shaping the research strategy and execution for Johns Hopkins.

The SAVPRO will work collaboratively across the research enterprise to contribute to advancing improvements and efficiencies in Research Administration and the Animal Care and Use Program offices, ensuring high-touch, service-oriented cultures for both organizations. The position will be responsible for operations at both SOM’s Office of Research Administration (ORA) and JHURA, with the expectation that over time, the work of these two organizations will be steadily harmonized and work effectively as a single organization by the end of 2025. Working in concert with other senior leaders, the SAVPRO will also ensure compliance through the implementation of effective processes, transparent, open communication, and delivery of proactive, user-friendly customer service. In doing so, they will provide strategic leadership while creating a working environment that rewards new ideas and innovation, builds collaborations, encourages and nurtures teamwork, and promotes diversity.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Development

• Support a culture of research and research operations excellence, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, schools, and external partners.
• Develop and implement best-in-class policies that enhance research capabilities, ensuring Hopkins remains at the forefront of global research.
• Foster an environment where outstanding service and compliance coexist harmoniously.
• Exercise high-level strategic planning and day-to-day execution seamlessly.
• Build bridges across organizational units and motivate individuals at all levels to support overall department, university, and agency compliance objectives.
• Support and develop research talent across the university by mentoring faculty, staff, and students involved in research activities.
• Recommend changes to unit processes, as appropriate, to increase efficiencies and foster an environment of continuous improvement in all aspects of operation.

Research Administration

• Create and implement a detailed, phased harmonization plan that maintains current service levels within ORA and JHURA and results in a merged, single entity by December 2025.
• Lead transformational change by creating unified service metrics and excellent working relationships between research administration staff in central, divisional, and other support units.
• Ensure that research administration activities and systems align with the institution’s mission and goals, while managing resources, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top research administration talent to support the institution's research goals.
• Lead efforts to enhance research infrastructure and support the growth of research initiatives across the organization, including efforts to increase external funding through grants, contracts, and industry partnerships.
• Provide strategic oversight and administrative support across Johns Hopkins’ extensive research portfolio, significantly contributing to a tradition of interdisciplinary excellence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with federal agencies, industry partners, philanthropic organizations, and other external stakeholders.
• In collaboration with IT@JH, convene a Research Administration IT advisory committee with representatives from JHU, JHM, and JHHS that will be aligned with overall IT governance. This committee will be responsible for advising the IT Strategy Executive Council of responsible decision makers for IT across the university (e.g., Provost, EVPFA, JHM Dean/CEO, JHHS President, and CIO).

Research Animal Resources (RAR)

• Partner with the Institutional Official for the Animal Care and Use Program to oversee the operation of RAR.
• Help ensure animal welfare and compliance with regulations and accreditation standards, while also supporting the research objectives of the institution.
• Partner with the RAR Administrator to create financial models to forecast future expenditures and revenues for RAR.
• Support the developme