Assistant Vice President for Research and Grants Administration

Assistant Vice President for Research and Grants Administration

The University of Washington (UW) invites applications and nominations for Assistant Vice President for Research and Grants Administration.  Reporting to the Vice President for Finance, the Assistant Vice President for Research and Grants Administration is a senior management role responsible for the overall leadership for Research and Grants Administration, a division of UW Finance.  This senior leadership position oversees administrative, procedural compliance, and administration for UW’s $1.7 billion annual grants program. This position provides program direction and leadership, policy development and monitoring, program development, and budget management and has leadership responsibilities for the three units that comprise the Research and Grants Administration Division:  Grant and Contract Accounting; Management Accounting and Analysis; and Post Award Fiscal Compliance.  These units are responsible for strategic planning, performance measurement and accountability, resource allocation, customer service activities, developing and communicating policies and procedures, and maintaining customer contact within the University and with external entities. 

The University of Washington is a multi-campus (often referred to as tri-campus) university, with locations in Seattle (that includes a world-class academic medical center), Tacoma, and Bothell Founded in 1861 and one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the Pacific coast, more than 12,000 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees are conferred annually from its 319 programs and almost 650 degree options.  The University is consistently ranked among the best schools in the nation as well as the world.  In 2021, U.S. News and World Report, UW ranked 8th (out of nearly 1,500 universities worldwide); and, the Academic Ranking of World Universities has ranked UW as one of the top 20 universities worldwide since its rankings were first released.  The University’s research portfolio and impact are well-established, with its research budget typically ranking among the top five in U.S. public and private institutions. Recognized as one of the world’s most innovative universities, UW delivers and extends education, discovery, and public service across the globe. UW considers diversity to be integral to its excellence, including valuing and honoring diverse experiences and perspectives, striving to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promoting access, opportunity, and justice for all. 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or related field and ten years of leadership experience in higher education or related field.   An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for the degree.   This position also requires: the ability to function independently and effectively; strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent analytical and quantitative skills; dynamic organizational and leadership skills; the capacity to function effectively in a complex, changing environment; detailed technical knowledge of grants and contract administration; knowledge of accounting principles and financial management related to higher education; and, personal and professional commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the advancement of DEI initiatives in leading a team and the organization. Professional certification(s) desired (CPA, CMA, CFA) and/or master’s degree, and commitment to quality principles.  

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC is assisting the University of Washington in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Greenwood/Asher and Associates.  Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and list of five references.  Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.  Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct all confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications materials to:

Marion Frenche, Practice Leader, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Search Manager,

and Senior Executive Search Consultant

Jeanie Andrews, Search Manager and Senior Executive Search Consultant

Email: marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com

Email: jeanieandrews@greenwoodsearch.com

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.