The Director, Administration of Operations works with the Senior Associate Dean for Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) at Vanderbilt University and the Director of Strategic Affairs and Events as a key personnel responsible for implementing the vision of the Senior Associate Dean responsible for the biomedical research education and training enterprise which is comprised of 1,100 predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees and over 300 VU and VUMC faculty members. This position reports directly to the Senior Associate Dean serving as a close advisor to help manage the short- and long-term critical priorities, initiatives, and activities of BRET.
The Director, Administration of Operations will foster and maintain strong working relationships across BRET teams (Recruitment, 1st year Programs, Finance, Training Grant Support, Outcomes, Career Development and ASPIRE). In this role, the Director, Administration will have the responsibility to support and supervise the doctoral graduate program managers and enable and mentor them in their ongoing professional development. This individual interfaces with a wide constituency of partners across the institution and must be a proactive communicator who passionately engages with people, develops creative solutions, and builds constituent confidence and trust.
About the Work Unit:
The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) supports and coordinates graduate education, postdoctoral training, minority affairs, career development, and educational technology initiatives for the Vanderbilt biomedical research community. Included under the BRET auspices are Graduate Program Support, the Office of Career Development ASPIRE Program, the Office of Outcomes Analysis, Postdoctoral Affairs Support, Health and Wellness, Summer Science Academy and Research Interns, the Training Grants Team, and the Human Capital Management and Finance Team. The BRET office works closely with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and has extensive responsibility for Training Grant applications as well as their subsequent administration and coordination.
Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Strategy and Special Projects
Provide support to departmental leadership in the development of strategic and operational initiatives of the Office for Biomedical Research Education and Training. Demonstrate critical and strategic thinking in planning ahead, identifying potential issues and posing possible solutions to challenges before they arise. Address potential conflicts between new policies and procedures and their implementation in operational areas within the division.Technology Operations:
Serve as operations lead for refining structure and quality of data within the Outcomes Database. Technical liaison to software engineer Operations project lead for curation of data, development software, and data visualization for our training department and outcomes research team. Recently completed preparation of dataset for PostgreSQL database to begin education research on 25 years of graduates using Aqua Data Studio and Tableau as query and visualization tools. Serve as operations lead for BRET software tools through relationship with PSI/WAG-Rotation Management tool
-Affiliation Management (VU and VUMC faculty)
-Faculty Research Database
-BRET Student Files (application materials)
Operation leads for integration of BRET specific data with university data in upcoming launch of Tableau server. Oversees redevelopment of GAP, a.k.a. Trainee Database, which holds our historical and current records of predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees Represent BRET in VU Provost Data Analyst Community of Practice. Facilitate use of Certified Data Sets and train and advise team members in using the Certified Data Sets in Tableau and other analytics software. Create and maintain dynamic faculty and student rosters on a semester basis (BRET student roster for VUMC billing responsibilities, tuition projections for basic sciences, training faculty rosters for communication)Internal Operations:
Ensure BRET is providing a high level of customer service support to VU researchers and departmental administrators across campus.External operations:
Represent BRET’s interests in meetings with other VU Departments (Data Strategies and Analytics, Process Solutions and Implementation, Web Applications Group, University Registrar, VUIT, VUMC-IT, ISSS, Faculty Affairs, Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences Dean, Protection of Minors, Background Checks, Research Interns). Oversee administration and report of compliance requirements for the doctoral programs within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences (SACSCOC and annual background checks).Supervisory Relationships:
This position supervises 8-10 doctoral program coordinators and managers.Education and Certifications
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary. A master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience and proven abilities.Experience
Experience working with leadership to execute their goals is necessary. Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are necessary. Experience working in an academic environment is necessary. Previous experience with Vanderbilt University, in a private institution of higher education or a nonprofit is preferred. Knowledge of academic student policies, processes, and procedures is strongly preferred. Experience using a range of technology tools is necessary.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work independently and as a member of the administrative team to foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation internally and outside the department is necessary. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to producing high quality deliverables in a timely manner are necessary. Highly self-motivated, professional with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding environment with minimal supervision is necessary. Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary. Strong, positive communication and interpersonal skills are necessary. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines is necessary. Ability to work independently while providing appropriate work status updates is necessary. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures is preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.