Administrative Director

The Administrative Director reports directly to the Vice Dean for Research and works closely with the Vice Dean on a broad range of administrative, executive, and strategic responsibilities, including special projects and initiatives supporting the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. This role serves as a key partner and representative of the Vice Dean for Research, enabling effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders and supporting fulfillment of institutional priorities and commitments.

This is a highly strategic and facilitative role that frequently operates independently or on behalf of the Vice Dean for Research on initiatives critical to the school's research mission and overall success. The Administrative Director applies independent judgment and strong analytical skills to conduct investigations, develop analyses, and respond to emerging issues based on the needs and direction of the Vice Dean. Responsibilities include key performance indicator (KPI) development and reporting, particularly related to research award activity, expenditure trends, and other research performance metrics, as well as ad hoc analyses to inform leadership decision-making.

The Administrative Director provides operational and administrative leadership support to the Vice Dean for Research and broader membership of the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies. The role works closely with members of the SMPH Dean's Office to help set major priorities, coordinate communication strategies, support policy development, and monitor progress on key initiatives and projects. The Administrative Director synthesizes and prioritizes critical issues, data, and background materials to ensure the Vice Dean for Research has timely, accurate, and actionable information to facilitate efficient and effective decision-making.

• This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

• Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration

  • Strong analytical and investigative skills, with experience conducting data-driven analyses to support leadership decision-making.

  • Proven ability to develop and deliver KPI and performance reporting, particularly related to research funding, awards, and institutional performance metrics.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and present findings clearly to senior leadership and diverse stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functional areas (e.g., finance, HR, research administration, compliance) within a complex organizational structure.

  • High level of organizational skill and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Knowledge of research rankings such as Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) and U.S. News and World Report (USNWR)

• Directs, implements, and monitors strategic planning initiatives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources

• Supervises managerial, professional, and support staff of the unit or division and facilitates unit staff developmental opportunities

• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

• Recommends, reviews, and directs personnel resource allocation to ensure appropriate utilization of resources

• Develops and audits administrative operating reports, budgets, policies, and procedures to comply with regulations, institution policies, and business objectives

• Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit

School of Medicine and Public Health, Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology, and Graduate Studies

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies supports faculty, trainees, and staff as they launch and grow cutting-edge research programs. With experts in proposal development, grants administration, research compliance, shared resources, basic research training and industry engagement, the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies promotes research collaboration, innovation and fundamental discovery, helping to translate research outcomes to improve health in Wisconsin and beyond.

The starting salary for the position is $122,000 annually, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience within an academic medical center or research-intensive higher education environment, with demonstrated experience in research administration, finance, and/or human resources.

• Demonstrated experience supporting senior or executive leadership, including managing complex priorities, handling sensitive information, and exercising independent judgment.

• Substantial experience working with research award data, extramural funding data sets, and expenditure reporting, including interpreting trends and reconciling discrepancies across reports.

• Knowledge of and experience with current UW-Madison policies and systems related to research administration and/or financial management, including RAMP or Workday.

Bachelor's Degree required.

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To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.

• Cover letter required

• Resume

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Kelly Rose, kelly.rose@wisc.edu, 608-265-8069

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

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The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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