Director, Institute for Government Innovation / Faculty of Practice

Job Posting Number: 2025048NTL

Position Description
The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice to serve as Director of the Institute for Government Innovation (IGI). The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in fostering strong partnerships between stakeholder communities, organizations, and university researchers by providing tools and technologies to identify, support, and sustain collaborative efforts. This is a non-tenure line, promotion-eligible position. The Director of IGI is responsible for maintaining the institute's delivery of specialized expertise and resources to local, regional, and state communities while articulating new initiatives for IGI, with an emphasis on expanding external funding.

Since its establishment in 2003, the IGI has secured over $21 million in funding for the University, a testament to its impactful work and reputation. The Director is key in continuing to build on this success and will work to secure new funding through grants, contracts, and partnerships, ensuring the sustainability and growth of IGI's projects and services.

The Director also leads the department's internship program, offering invaluable work experience to students and fostering new internship opportunities. Nearly 500 students have benefited from IGI internships to date, and this position will play a central role in expanding these opportunities by partnering with external agencies and department alumni. The Director may also teach a 1-credit hour Professional Development course each semester to provide Geography and Environmental Studies majors with essential skills to launch their careers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize participatory methods to engage with stakeholder communities
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships between stakeholder communities, organizations, and university researchers
• Provide tools and technologies to support community-driven initiatives
• Work towards achieving positive community change through collaborative efforts
• Oversee internship program
• Secure external funding

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University has 34 full-time faculty members, over 400 undergraduate majors in BA and BS programs and over 120 graduate students in our Master of Science (MS), Master of Applied Geography (MAG), and PhD programs in geography, geographic education, and geographic information science. The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts.

https://www.geo.txst.edu/

Required Qualifications
For all ranks:

• Ph.D. in Geography or related field
• Strong partnership-building skills

For the Assistant Professor of Practice Rank:

• Minimum of five years of recent experience in the public or private sector and a proven record of successful project management and collaboration with academic and community partners.

For the Associate Professor of Practice Rank:

• Minimum of ten years of recent experience in the public or private sector and a proven record of successful project management and collaboration with academic and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications
For all ranks:

• Demonstrated experience in community-based participatory research
• Proficiency in using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other spatial analysis tools
• Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proven record of securing grant or contract funding

Full Consideration Date:
Close Date:
Open Until Filled? Yes

For a detailed description of this position and to apply, visit https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/53652 or call (512) 245-2557 or visit our office at 601 University Dr., J.C. Kellam Bldg., Suite 340.

About Texas State and San Marcos:
Texas State University is a emerging research institution located in the burgeoning Austin-San Antonio corridor and in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. It is the largest of eight campuses in the Texas State University System and one of the 75 largest universities in the country, with over 38,000 students and approximately 4,000 faculty and staff.

Texas State is located in San Marcos, a growing community of over 50,000 people located about half way between Austin and San Antonio. Texas State enjoys a setting that is unique among Texas universities. The beauty of the crystal-clear San Marcos River and the stately cypress and pecan trees on the campus add to the charm of the university's picturesque setting. Our location on the banks of the San Marcos River provides outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.

Why work @ Texas State?
• Amazing health insurance: various coverage options starting your first day of employment for full-time employees with Texas State paying 100% of the employee premium and 50% for your dependents!
• Generous paid time off: vacation, holidays, sick days and many more!
• Excellent work life balance resources: mother and family-friendly resources in addition to a comprehensive FREE wellness program
• Great professional development opportunities: choose from a variety of workshops, training, online learning and even access educational leave opportunities and reimbursement for academic courses
• An inclusive Bobcat community: join our many social networks offered on and off-campus
• Retirement peace of mind: TRS pension, retirement plans and voluntary saving options with generous employer contributions

By joining the Texas State Bobcat team, you’ll be a part of one of the most beautiful, diverse, and growing universities in the nation.