Director, Research Analytics
University of Illinois Chicago
Job Summary
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) seeks a Director of Research Analytics to serve as a lead strategist dedicated to the support of quantitative data analysis, research administration software and systems and data management. This incumbent serves as a key member of the OVCR leadership team and collaborates with the leadership team and functional staff to develop and implement procedures and processes that enhance the performance of both pre-award and post-award services, maintains knowledge of the research enterprise at UIC and studies the research trends in higher education and other peer institutions to identify best practices that can be applied to enhance the research data analytics at UIC.
About UIC
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. The UIC campus is located just west of Chicago’s loop, integrated into historic residential neighborhoods and the urban environment. UIC is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI), and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
Responsibilities
Develop a deep knowledge of sponsored programs related data (i.e., proposals, awards, financial) within electronic research administration systems such as Banner and Kuali Coeus, as well as university-wide data related to budgeting, accounting, human resources, and other relevant institutional data.
Leads data retrieval and analysis, development of research metrics dashboard for proposals, awards, expenditures, and other performance metrics to aid leadership in deriving meaningful insight into research performance against internal goals and external benchmarks.
Work with the Office of Research Data Initiatives and Information (ORDII) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) leadership team to address data analytics needs, leading the offices in querying, extracting, managing, and analyzing multiple, complex datasets ensuring data integrity and quality to build the research metrics dashboard. Partner closely with the IT team to ensure automated, repeatable, documented results.
Manage the process of coordinating and assembling data pertinent to the OSP sponsored projects proposal, award and expenditure trend reports, annual Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey, semi-annual foreign contract and gift report, and various ad-hoc data requests from OVCR and Colleges and Departments for strategic planning and accomplishments.
Lead the collection, interpretation, and analysis of research metrics and performance data to improve quality and efficiencies and to share this data with strategic decision-makers to further goals and objectives of the ORDII and OSP. Manage data quality and integrity by creating various exception reports and establishing procedures for routine review and timely correction. Establish, formulate, and communicate sponsored project policies and procedures related to areas of system processes, data retrieval and analysis.
Develop, monitor, and maintain software and electronic system solutions to be compliant and integrated across the life cycle of sponsored projects ensuring alignment with institution, state, federal, and sponsor requirements. Work in close collaboration with the ORDII and OSP functional teams to facilitate efficient business and system processes and ensure institutional compliance across the entire sponsored project lifecycle including the review and recommendation of software and hardware to improve operational and data management efficiencies.
May contribute to the strategic development and implementation of electronic research administration software and systems for UIC and the overall University of Illinois System, where applicable, and on training and operational impacts.
Partner with the other sponsored program offices within the University of Illinois System to coordinate and manage queries to capture periodic (i.e., daily, month-end, quarter-end, and fiscal year-end close) sponsored project data, audit-related deliverables, and/or billing, drawdown and other cash management functions for all campuses. Develop and manage queries to generate ad hoc data for special projects, as needed.
Oversee and participate in University fiscal year-end activities, including testing and data verification during the year end roll, participating in project team meetings, data analysis and problem resolution, and coordinating and communicating fiscal year-end deadlines and information to OSP staff.
Maintain an awareness of technological advancement and innovation in information technology with a focus on research administration and develop an active and ongoing relationship with the UIC information technology community and other data and systems teams within the University System.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in data science, information technology, computer science or related field.
Minimum of five years’ experience including demonstrated leadership, organizational and administrative skills related to the development, implementation, and management of research analytics. Data and metrics in a complex business, academic, or government environment, preferably at an institution of higher education
Advanced knowledge of data mining and analysis tools including but not limited to Web Intelligence platform, Access, Excel, Tableau software, and SQL databases. Ability to quickly learn new datasets and data management systems. Ability to use the latest data visualization technologies and preparation of presentations for diverse audiences.
Detailed knowledge of state, national and international research datasets and platforms such as Academic Analytics, NSF HERD survey, NIH RePORTER, the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, federal research funding agency databases, etc. Basic understanding of the sponsored project life cycle from proposal submission to award closeout and an introductory understanding of current regulations and sponsor policies related to other areas of research administration including financial and non-financial management of sponsored projects.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Information Technology or related field.
Ten (10) years’ experience with electronic research administration systems at a large academic research institution.
A minimum of five years of supervisory experience or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to lead teams and individuals to achieve shared goals.
Highly developed written and verbal communications skills to effectively present information and respond to colleagues and others seeking guidance and/or clarification about issues related to data and research metrics.
Demonstrated managerial skills to implement and maintain systems for service delivery, work independently, and exercise good judgment and discretion in handling difficult, complex issues.
Strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective work relationships. Ability to effectively lead and/or work within a team.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work assignments to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
Knowledgeable of current research administration system trends.
General knowledge of sponsored project administration, sponsored accounting principles and financial management practices within an academic environment and understanding of the organization of the University of Illinois System and other campus affiliates.
APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by October 23, 2023. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.
Interested candidates must apply at the following link:
https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7138?c=uic
As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.
Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.
The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899
Full Time
Salary range:
$100,000 – $150,000