"Director of Research, W&M's Global Research Institute"

Job Details

Are you passionate about transforming how universities approach interdisciplinary research? The Global Research Institute at William & Mary is launching an ambitious new chapter—that reimagines research incubation for the 21st century. As our Director of Research, you'll lead a cutting-edge model that breaks down academic silos, integrates students as true research partners, and creates pathways for ideas to achieve real-world impact.

This is a rare opportunity to build something entirely new: a multi-tier research ecosystem (Engage → Exploration → Incubation → Scaling) at an Institute that has already generated over $100 million in external funding and launched countless student careers. You'll work with brilliant faculty across disciplines, guide projects from conception to sustainability, and help establish a model that other universities will emulate.

If you're energized by the prospect of supporting breakthrough research that addresses global challenges while mentoring the next generation of scholar-practitioners, this role offers the perfect blend of intellectual stimulation, strategic leadership, and meaningful impact. Join us in Gates Hall, our state-of-the-art facility opening in 2026, where big ideas become reality.

The Director of Research leads GRI's research incubation enterprise, ensuring the success of faculty researchers across all tiers (Engage, Exploration, Incubation, Scaling) while integrating student engagement throughout. This role is accountable for the strategic direction, quality, and impact of GRI's research portfolio and serves as the primary advocate for researcher needs within the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in relevant field or equivalent hands-on experience (e.g. 7+ years research leadership experience).
• Track record in both academic and applied/policy research funding.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary research teams.
• Strategic thinking with operational execution ability.
• Strong relationship-building across academic and policy communities.
• Experience with complex project portfolio management.
• Understanding of both academic and foundation/government funding landscapes.
• Commitment to student-integrated research model.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with research incubation or center management.
• Understanding of university research administration and incentive structures.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position may require additional hours beyond the typical work week, including occasional overnight and weekend work as needed to meet the business needs of the operation.
• This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Job Duties:

40% - Research Portfolio Management:

• Oversee selection, development, and transition of research projects across all tiers.
• Lead annual review processes and milestone assessments for supported projects.
• Coordinate with Director's Advisory Group on project screening and selection.
• Ensure research quality standards and alignment with university strategic goals.
• Manage relationships with joint hire faculty and external research mentors.

30% - Team Leadership & Researcher Support:

• Supervise and develop direct reports managing tier-specific operations.
• Ensure seamless researcher experience across tier transitions.
• Build and maintain technical advisory committee for specialized guidance.
• Coordinate external mentorship matching with faculty leads based on substantive alignment.
• Advocate for researcher needs in resource allocation and policy decisions.

20% - Strategic Planning & Metrics:

• Lead development and implementation of research strategy aligned with GRI vision.
• Track and report on key research metrics (funding secured, projects transitioned, publications).
• Identify emerging research opportunities and partnership possibilities.
• Coordinate with operations team on business development and communications strategy.
• Plan annual cohort themes and visiting fellow programs.

10% - External Relationships:

• Represent GRI research enterprise to university leadership and external partners.
• Cultivate relationships with funding agencies and research organizations.
• Coordinate with schools and departments on researcher transitions.
• Participate in academic conferences and professional networks.

Primary Metrics:

External funding secured through GRI-supported projects.
Successful project transitions to permanent homes in Colleges, Departments, and Centers after incubation period at GRI.
Research quality indicators (publications, citations, awards).

Secondary Metrics:

Researcher satisfaction and retention through transitions.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration rates.
Student research engagement numbers and outcomes.