Two Days. A Career's Worth of Insight.

The Senior Research Administration Leadership Program is a dynamic professional development initiative designed for senior research administrators navigating the complex responsibilities of Assistant or Associate Vice President (AVP) and aspiring VPR-level roles. This cohort-based program delivers a sustained, applied leadership experience that combines a 2-day in-person intensive workshop with ongoing mentorship and a dedicated peer community. Grounded in real-world challenges, the program equips participants with executive skills, strategic insight, and national network needed to lead with greater confidence and institutional impact. An ongoing SRAI Connect community, and monthly virtual meetups post-event, will allow the cohort to strengthen executive communication, strategic thinking, institutional influence, crisis response, and leadership readiness.

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Why This Program

  • You've earned your seat at the table - now get the tools to lead from it.
    Receive executive-level skills strategies, and peer connections that AVP-level leaders need but rarely have access to in one place. 
  • Develop the leadership skills that matter most.
    Gain targeted training in strategic planning, financial acumen, compliance leadership, and institutional influence - all designed specifically for the challenges of AVP-level roles. 
  • Stop navigating alone and build a network that goes the distance.
    Access a rare, trusted space to work through your most pressing challenges alongside peers who truly understand the landscape.  

Who Should Attend

  • Research administrators currently serving in AVP, Associate VPR, or Assistant VPR roles, or equivalent senior leadership positions.
  • Directors and senior professionals with a clear trajectory toward AVP or VPR roles who are ready for an accelerated leadership experience.
  • Professionals seeking to expand their strategic leadership capacity, institutional influence, and readiness for executive advancement.

What to Expect

  • A year-long cohort model that prioritizes relationship-building and candor — participants come as resources for one another, not just as content consumers, and leave with a national network of colleagues they can call on for years to come. 

  • A program kick-off in Honolulu - this 2-day in-person intensive, held in conjunction with the SRAI 2026 Annual Meeting, will feature tabletop scenario exercises, peer panels, open forums, and facilitated discussions.

  • Rigorous, relevant content spanning strategic planning for research enterprises, compliance and regulatory leadership, financial acumen, infrastructure investment, faculty motivation, and influence without positional authority — including a candid session on ego and institutional leadership.
  • Executive mentorship with monthly virtual check-ins over at least six months following the intensive.
  • A lasting peer community through access to a dedicated SRAI Connect Group, providing a secure space for ongoing dialogue, peer input on real challenges, and resource sharing beyond the program.

Questions?

To learn more or have additional questions answered, please contact us.


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