Summary

The Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery is seeking a Senior Associate Administrator to oversee the research and advancement missions for the department. The Department of Surgery's research operations include over 300 clinical trials and grants with over $15M+ in total funding in FY25, and over $10M in NIH grants making the Department one of the top 20 departments of surgery in NIH funding. The Senior Associate Administrator will lead multiple teams within the Office of Surgical Research (clinical trials, basic/translational research, grants and contracts, research administration, innovation and implementation science, regulatory affairs, and data science) to ensure programs are delivered effectively and efficiently. As a senior strategy advisor to the Department Chair, Vice-Chair for Research, and Department Administrator, this role will assist in the planning, organization, direction, evaluation, and improvement of research administration and operations programs, human resources efforts, and fiscal accountability. This role will serve as a leader and influencer within the organization. The role is expected to act with full authority in the absence of the Department Administrator, as such, this should be considered an in-person role. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

Job Duties

• Assists in the development of strategic and short-term planning processes and facilitates the obtainment and validation of data needed for strategic decision-making. 
• Serves as a strategic resource to Chair/Center Director and Department/Center leadership to shape and advance strategic priorities and initiatives. 
• Coordinates efforts to define priorities, report on progress, and ensure that the priorities are integrated into decision-making. 
• Works collaboratively with Department/Center leadership to develop a framework to effectively communicate and implement key performance indicators and strategic metrics that identify the current state, craft the path to the future state and provide presentation of project status compared to milestones. 
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and approving hours worked of at least 3 employees. 

Research Administration/Operations:

• Oversees, in collaboration with the Office of Surgical Research (OSR), pre-award and post award programs within the Department.
• Provides advisory support to faculty through the grant life cycle. 
• Partners with leadership to develop policy and ensure compliance and effective use of resources.

Financial Management:

• Oversees financial operations including grants, contract, clinical research, and other funds to ensure adherence to prudent and generally accepted accounting practices.
• Advocates for and communicates high standards, holding staff and faculty accountable to Department and College financial management policies.
• Analyzes financial reports and provides guidance and recommendations for action to OSR and Department leadership.

Talent Management:

• Acts as a thought partner to the Department to define and operationalize an administrative structure conducive to meeting and exceeding Department goals.
• Engages with College Human Resources leaders to enhance two-way communication and connect policy and programs with department application.
• Designs department processes, in collaboration with the Department Administrator, to align with College policy and enhance the employee experience. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Eleven years of directly related experience with four years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or doctorate degree and seven years of directly related experience with four years of supervisory experience will also be considered.
• Research administration certifications a plus!