33465BR
Job Title:
Internal OnlyDirector, Internal Research Support & Recognition
Department:
Office of Research
Primary Campus:
University of Ks Medical Ctr
Job Description:
25% - Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
In partnership with senior research leadership, develop institution-wide strategy and oversee the development and management of:
Internal pilot, seed, and collaborative research funding programs
Co-funding of strategic research investments
Limited submissions
Internal faculty research recognition awards
External prestigious and highly prestigious awards, and honorific distinctions
Support the oversight and strategic alignment of the internal research investment portfolio to maximize institutional impact, including:
Convening and informing quarterly discussions on funding priorities, tradeoffs, and allocation decisions
Applying data-driven insights and peer benchmarks to inform decision-making and demonstrate return on investment
Lead and guide periodic portfolio reviews to evaluate impact and strategic alignment of internal research investments, including:
Assessing program-level return on investment and institutional impact
Monitoring participation patterns and equity outcomes
Aligning investments with KU's priority research areas and growth opportunities
15% - Internal Research Investments & Limited Submissions
Provide senior oversight of internal support and co-funding programs, ensuring:
Alignment with institutional and campus research priorities
Clear and consistent governance structures, review processes, and decision-making frameworks
Establish and enforce consistent policies, standards, and timelines across all internal funding, limited submission, and recognition programs
Transparent communication with faculty regarding opportunities, eligibility, timelines, and review outcomes
20% - Faculty Recognition & Awards
Provide strategic oversight for internal faculty research recognition programs to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and visibility goals
Oversee coordination and nomination strategies for external prestigious and highly prestigious awards and honorific distinctions
Ensure recognition programs are administered through transparent, fair, and consistent processes
Partner with research leadership to identify and elevate faculty for institutional and national recognition opportunities
20% - Governance, Partnerships & Integration
Serve as the primary institutional liaison for internal research support and faculty recognition initiatives, partnering with:
Associate Vice Chancellors for Research
Deans and campus leadership
Office of Research strategic and planning teams
Establish and monitor metrics to assess program effectiveness, including return on investment, downstream funding outcomes, and faculty participation
Ensure alignment of internal investments and recognition programs with broader One KU research priorities and growth areas
20% - Leadership & Team Management
Lead and supervise the Internal Research Support & Recognition team, including program and operations personnel
Ensure coordinated, high-quality execution across programs to deliver a cohesive and high-impact portfolio
Align team goals, processes, and workload to support consistent service delivery and institutional priorities.
Conducts activities in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with KUMC Policies and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
Coordinate work with other University areas ensure integration and support of the University mission.
Develops, maintains and expands job-specific knowledge and skills to keep pace with industry changes and supports the university's commitment to excellence and innovation.
Participates in relevant committees, task force, or other similar activities.
Maintain confidentiality of medical center, employee, and patient information. Manages sensitive data with discretion and in accordance with KUMC policies and legal requirements.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity, respect, professional conduct, and ethical standards.
Req ID (Ex: 10567BR) :
33465BR
Disclaimer:
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.
FLSA Status:
Executive
Required Qualifications:
Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, research development, faculty affairs, or a closely related field. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Demonstrated experience managing or overseeing internal funding programs, limited submissions, or faculty recognition processes.
Experience working with senior academic leadership (e.g., deans, AVCs, provost-level offices).
Three (3) years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including responsibility for staff management, performance evaluation, and goal setting
Experience developing and implementing policies, processes, or governance structures
Experience using data to inform decision-making and assess program impact.
Employee Class:
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Advertised Salary Range:
122,121.00 - 158,760.00 - 195,394.00 USD Annually
FTE:
1.0
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
Experience leading institution-wide or multi-campus research programs or portfolios.
Experience using data and peer benchmarking to inform strategic investment decisions.
Experience developing standards or framework related to research funding, review processes, or conflicts of interest.
Experience with faculty and senior leadership in a research university setting.
Position Overview:
This position is only open to employees internal to KU-Lawrence & KUMC Office of Research/Research Administration employees.
The Director, Internal Research Support & Recognition provides strategic, institution-wide leadership for internal research support programs that enable, fund, and recognize research excellence across the University of Kansas. This role oversees a coordinated One KU portfolio of internal funding programs, limited submissions, and faculty recognition initiatives aligned with institutional research priorities. The Director ensures that internal investments are administered through transparent and fair processes and informed by data and peer benchmarking. The role partners closely with faculty and senior leadership to strengthen the research pipeline, support competitiveness for external funding, and elevate KU's national visibility.
Reg/Temp:
Regular
Application Review Begins:
19-Aug-2026
Anticipated Start Date:
24-Aug-2026
Additional Candidate Instruction:
This position is open to KU-Lawerence and KUMC Office of Research/Research Administration employees only.
We are not accepting off-campus applicants at this time.
Internal applicants, please apply with the following items.
Resume
Cover Letter
This position will be open for applications through Tuesday, August 18th. You must apply by that date.
Job Family:
Administrative/Management-KUL
Work Location Assignment:
On-Site
