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Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) selected by The University of Akron for Assistant Vice President, Office of Research Administration Search

(July 24, 2025, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, has been selected to recruit the next Assistant Vice President for the Office of Research Administration at The University of Akron. Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, will be leading the search.

This strategic and collaborative leader will play a vital role in supporting high-impact projects and managing a complex research administration portfolio at a university that continues to expand its research capabilities and partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, detail-oriented research administrator who brings both leadership and hands-on knowledge of research operations. The Assistant VP ORA thrives in a dynamic environment and is adept at managing competing priorities. Experience supervising remote or hybrid teams is essential as this role oversees a blended team with key staff working offsite. This position reports to the Vice President for Research and Business Engagement and leads a dynamic team across all facets of sponsored research administration, with all management and/or administrative/professional personnel normally reporting to this position for operational coordination.

The University of Akron (UA) is among Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, conducting high quality research in focused areas of excellence, contributing to the vitality of the local economy, and providing a workforce in highly trained diverse disciplines. Listed among the 2025 Princeton Review Best Regional Colleges in the Midwest, UA offers over 14,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree programs. UA is a STEM-intensive institution, which has strong connections with industries including polymers, advanced materials, and engineering. UA brings together a group of diverse learners, including full-time, part-time, online, veterans, and adult students. Students are enrolled across five colleges: 1) College of Engineering and Polymer Science, 2) Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, 3) College of Business, 4) Law and 5) College of Health and Human Sciences. In addition, students are served by Wayne Campus. Ranked among the Top 10 Colleges in Ohio, UA consistently earns recognition for regional academic strength and value in Ohio.

Affordable Excellence

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability. Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.