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Director - Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Vanderbilt University

Posted: Tuesday, May 17, 2016

 
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Established in 1965, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) is an interdisciplinary research, training, diagnosis, and treatment institute. The Center brings together scientists and practitioners in behavior, education, genetics, and neuroscience to work together in unique ways to solve the mysteries of development and learning. The VKC includes a broad range of interdisciplinary research programs conducted by over 200 faculty members from 26 departments across 7 schools of Vanderbilt University. Key programs include:

 o     Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), funded through U54
        mechanism from NICHD. The VKC director is PI for this grant and is directly responsible for renewing
        its funding.
 o     University Center of Excellence in Development Disabilities (UCEDD), funded by an interdisciplinary
        grant from AAID.
 o     Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND), funded by a HRSA training grant.
 o     Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD), a set of federal and state
        contracts supporting autism services for teachers, students, parents and school administrators
        throughout Tennessee.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President and CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will provide strategy, leadership and direction to this Center, integrating research and clinical care in developmental disabilities to accelerate scientific discovery with effective delivery of innovative and superior educational, family, and clinical services. The Director will recruit key staff, work collaboratively with Department Chairs and Deans to recruit faculty, and continue to develop programs that integrate research and service delivery so that individuals with developmental disabilities can lead better lives. He/she will manage financial resources and will serve as the external face of VKC with key stakeholders and opinion leaders, including potential donors. Significant, successful experience as a scientist-leader in a world-class academic setting is expected in this critically important role.

Ideal Experience

Candidates for the position of Director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center will be selected from a diverse pool and will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • A recognized physician or scientist leader (MD, MD/PhD, PhD, or EdD) at the level of Professor with a background in developmental disabilities, neurosciences, autism, learning disabilities or a related field.
  • Previous successful senior leadership role. Demonstrated excellence in attracting, recruiting and developing world-class scientific and/or clinical leaders, team building, vision and strategy setting and execution of multi-faceted decisions.
  • Proven track record of successful negotiation, communication, organizational, and people management skills and the ability to influence and build relationships without direct authority.
  • Appreciation and support of diversity.
  • A style that is open to change and innovation, with an ability to work collaboratively, delegate yet control, set high standards, and make tough decisions while being open to feedback.

The executive search firm Spencer Stuart is coordinating this recruitment. Interested parties should contact Maitreya Rich at [email protected] or 310.209.0610.


Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.