Job Details

Associate Vice President For 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research Development:
  
  
  
  • Oversee the College's research development strategies, including proposal development, grant writing, and identification of key funding opportunities that advance institutional priorities, particularly in STEM fields.
  
  
  • Provide education and training to faculty and researchers on best practices for securing grants and managing research projects.
  
  
  • Collaborate with academic schools and divisions to identify and promote interdisciplinary research initiatives.
  
  
  • Promote a culture of research within the academic community, encouraging faculty and students to engage in meaningful research activities, including engagement in research development opportunities.
  
  
  
  

• Strategic Partnerships:
  
  
  
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to promote research collaborations and funding opportunities.
  
  
  • Represent the college at conferences, workshops, and networking events to enhance visibility and attract potential partners.
  
  
  • Leverage partnerships to create opportunities for student engagement in research.
  
  
  
  

• Technology Transfer and Commercialization:
  
  
  
  • Help develop and implement the College's technology transfer and commercialization efforts, ensuring that innovative research translates into real-world applications.
  
  
  • Work with faculty, staff, and industry partners to identify commercial opportunities and support the development of startup companies.
  
  
  • Foster an entrepreneurial mindset among faculty and students to encourage the commercialization of research.
  
  
  
  

• Leadership and Administration:
  
  
  
  • Act as a member of the leadership team for the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
  
  
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline research processes and enhance operational efficiency.
  
  
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of research initiatives and partnerships, providing regular reports to senior leadership.
  
  
  
  

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.

Additional information about the opportunity can be found in the detailed position profile.

To express interest in this role please submit a compelling cover letter and resume directly through the Talent Profile. If you wish to nominate a prospective candidate or inquire regarding the role, please send their contact information to:

Steve Leo, Managing Director
Brian Bustin, Senior Associate
Storbeck Search
MerrimackAVPResearch@storbecksearch.com

For more information on Merrimack College and its programs, please consult its website: www.merrimack.edu

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Work Location:
This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.