The ideal candidate brings a combination of operational rigor, analytical capability, and
strong interpersonal and communication skills in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
Specific qualifications include:
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
7-10 years in research administration, higher education, or related field.
Demonstrated experience in grant or award administration, program management, or a closely related function in a research or higher education context.
Program and Administrative Skills:
Proven ability to manage complex, multi-phase programs and workflows with attention to detail and accountability for deadlines.
Experience working across organizational units and building effective relationships with faculty, staff, and senior administrators.
Familiarity with research funding ecosystems, including internal award programs, limited submission processes, or sponsored research administration.
Analytical and Technical Skills:
Comfortable working with institutional or sponsored research data, with the ability to translate quantitative findings into clear narratives.
Strong proficiency
Benefits
Health insurance
Additional Information
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Senior Associate Director of Institutional Research Funding
Job Profile Title
Associate Director E, Business and Finance, Research Services
Job Description Summary
The Senior Associate Director of Institutional Research Funding serves as the central operational leader for the OVPR's portfolio of institutional funding programs. This role manages the competitive review and award processes for OVPR's centrally managed funding opportunities which include the University Research Foundation (URF), Research Facilities Development Fund (RFDF), Health Research Formula Funds (HRFF), Discovering the Future Fund, Community Engagement Research Fund, and others, as well as ad hoc and limited submission funding programs.
Operating with significant independent judgment and authority, the Senior Associate Director oversees university-wide platforms that support the research funding ecosystem-including InfoReady, Pivot, and Nature Masterclass-and leads outreach, communications, and training efforts to drive engagement across Penn's schools and research centers.
The role also carries significant analytical responsibility. The Senior Associate Director collaborates closely with the Vice Provost for Research to develop metrics, produce data-driven reports, and communicate insights about Penn's research funding portfolio. This work involves active partnership with the Office of Research Services, Institutional Research and Analysis, Central Communications, and Development and Alumni Relations.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Institutional Funding Programs : Leads the full award lifecycle of OVPR's centrally administered internal funding programs.
Limited Submission and Ad Hoc Funding Opportunities - Manages Penn's limited submission program, through which the University nominates a single applicant to high-profile external funding competitions.
Research Funding Data Analysis and Reporting: Responsible for research funding data analysis and reporting in support of the Vice Provost for Research.
Institutional Research Platforms : Operational lead for OVPR-sponsored platforms that support the research community across the university.
Institutional Research Funding Communications and Training : Plays a central and driving role in how the OVPR communicates institutional funding opportunities and builds the research funding literacy of Penn's academic community.
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