Associate Vice President of Research Development and Strategic Partnerships

Merrimack College invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice President For Research Development and Strategic Partnerships (AVP). As the college embarks on the path to becoming a Carnegie Classified R2 institution, Merrimack seeks a highly motivated and experienced individual who will join a very strong research leadership team and will be crucial in building the research enterprise and nurturing a vibrant culture of research across the College.

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, and coeducational college nestled in the Boston suburbs of Andover and North Andover, Massachusetts, and is an institution with great upward momentum. In the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Merrimack ranked 4 for Most Innovative Schools making improvements in curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities. U.S. News also ranked the College at 37 in the Regional Universities North category.

Founded in 1947 by the Archbishop of Boston and the Order of St. Augustine, Merrimack strives to cultivate global citizens who are prepared to lead in today’s diverse and changing environment. Merrimack offers graduate programs and nearly 100 undergraduate programs in liberal arts, science and engineering, business, nursing and health sciences, and education and social policy. The College has over 4,000 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students from 38 states and 37 countries who form an engaged community of thinkers, learners, and achievers integrated into an academic culture of excellence. In the last five years, undergraduate enrollment has increased approximately 20 percent, graduate enrollment has increased 55 percent, and Merrimack has hired more than 80 new faculty in that same time.

The Associate Vice President of Research Development and Strategic Partnerships will report to the Vice President of Research and working with the Sr. Associate Vice President of Research Administration and Foundation Relations, will play a critical role in advancing the College’s mission by enhancing research initiatives and developing strategic partnerships with academic, public, and private sectors. This position requires a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who can foster a culture of collaboration and innovation while securing funding and supporting faculty and staff in their research endeavors. A joint faculty appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level may be available to qualified and interested applicants.

The AVP will oversee the areas of research development and strategic partnerships in the Office of Research at the College. The successful candidate should be someone who can bring a credible background in research to effectively engage with faculty and the administrative skillsets to provide the needed leadership in the Office.

• Demonstrated experience in research administration and development, grant writing, or related fields, preferably in a higher education setting.
• Proven track record of securing funding from federal, state, and private sources and developing corporate partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the research landscape and trends in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative approach to management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a sponsored research-relevant field.
• Experience in developing and managing large-scale research initiatives or centers.
• Familiarity with technology transfer, commercialization processes, and intellectual property management.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and trends that impact research and partnerships.
• Core values that align with the mission and values of Merrimack College.

The search committee will be reviewing materials immediately. Application materials shall include a CV/resume and a cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.