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Research Area Coordinator

Job Description

The Research Area Coordinator provides administrative and operational support to faculty and research area leadership within the College of Connected Computing (CCC). This role serves as a primary point of coordination for day-to-day administrative activities, helping faculty navigate university processes and ensuring the smooth execution of research area operations.

Working closely with faculty, staff, and administrative partners across the College, the Coordinator supports meeting and event logistics, travel coordination, visitor support, communications, procurement, and other administrative activities. This position plays an important role in creating an organized and responsive support environment that enables faculty to focus on teaching, research, and service.

The position reports to the Director of Administrative Operations and Faculty Support

About the Work Unit

The College of Connected Computing is Vanderbilt’s first new college in 40 years and is in the early stages of building its academic and administrative structure. The College advances interdisciplinary research and expands computing education through a “computing for all” approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

Faculty and Administrative Support

Provide administrative support to faculty and research area leadership
Coordinate meetings, schedules, and logistics for research area activities
Assist faculty in navigating administrative processes and connecting with appropriate college resources
Support onboarding activities for new faculty, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and affiliated researchers

Travel, Events, and Visitor Coordination

Coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and reimbursements for faculty, visitors, and guest speakers
Assist with planning and execution of seminars, workshops, meetings, and research-related events
Coordinate visitor logistics, including scheduling, accommodations, and meeting support

Operational and Financial Coordination

Assist with procurement requests, expense documentation, and other administrative transactions
Maintain records and documentation related to research area activities
Coordinate operational requests and follow up on action items

Communications and Information Management

Assist with website updates, newsletters, announcements, and distribution lists
Coordinate communication of research area events and activities

Collaboration and Customer Service

Serve as a responsive resource for faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and visitors
Coordinate with administrative offices across the College and university

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but may provide guidance to student workers or temporary staff supporting research area activities. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Administrative Operations and Faculty Support and works closely with research area leadership, faculty, and college administrative partners.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
4 years of experience in academic administration, student services, or a related field
Strong organizational and operational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with databases or administrative systems
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
Experience in higher education or undergraduate program administration
Experience coordinating events, communications, or faculty-facing initiatives
Familiarity with university administrative systems and processes
Experience supporting interdisciplinary programs, centers, institutes, or research initiatives
Experience working in a fast-paced or start-up academic environment

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