Director of Research Administration information Systems (RAIS)

Job Description:

About Brown

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world. Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity

The Director of Research Administration Information Systems (RAIS) is a key strategic leadership role responsible for shaping Brown University's information systems ecosystem that supports the entire research enterprise. In partnership with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the Division of Research (DOR) leadership, the Director will:

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle management for all research administration information systems, encompassing strategy, selection, implementation, ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and secure archiving.

• Ensure that these mission-critical systems provide daily, seamless support for staff and researchers across campus and play a pivotal role in maintaining strict compliance with complex federal, state, and local regulatory mandates in highly sensitive areas of research.

• Develop and execute a robust, campus-wide reporting strategy to provide leadership with essential research metrics and data related to sponsored activities.

• Foster operational excellence by leading, mentoring, and managing a dedicated team of analysts, focusing on process development and analysis, user training, and tracking performance to drive continuous improvement.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in computer science, data science, or related field preferred

• 8+ years of progressive experience in managing complex information systems, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role.

• Significant experience working within research administration, sponsored projects, or a similar environment within a higher education, academic medical center, or non-profit research institution.

• Proven expertise in the end-to-end business processes of research administration, including pre-award (proposals, budgeting), post-award (grants management, financial oversight), and compliance (IRB, IACUC, conflict of interest, export controls).

• Extensive experience leading the full lifecycle of enterprise systems—including selection, vendor negotiations, implementation (configuration and data migration), integration, and major upgrades—for research administration systems (Huron and Workday preferred).

• Demonstrated understanding of the IT requirements necessary to meet complex federal regulations, such as those from the NIH, NSF, and DoD.

• Expert or working-level knowledge of data warehousing, business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and database structures to support the development of robust research metrics and reporting dashboards.

• Familiarity with IT governance frameworks and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with central OIT leadership.

• Expertise in reporting and developing metrics and tools  for researchers  and leadership. 

• Proven ability to successfully hire, mentor, and manage a team of technical analysts.

• Demonstrated experience in business process analysis, redesign, and the use of KPIs and metrics to drive continuous operational improvement and operational excellence.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment

• Ability to collaborate not only internally but with all customer constituencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate at all levels in the organization (with senior management, with technical and business-oriented project staff, with users and stakeholders)

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and e