"Executive Director of FAMU Centers and Institutes"

Executive Director of FAMU Centers and Institutes

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is seeking a strategic, data-driven, and financially savvy leader to serve as the Executive Director for FAMU Centers and Institutes.

The Executive Director for FAMU Centers and Institutes will provide strategic oversight, operational management, and performance evaluation for all research centers and institutes at Florida A&M University. This role ensures that each center and institute align with FAMU's mission, meets established return on investment (ROI) benchmarks, and complies with state and federal reporting requirements. This position reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and works closely with all division vice presidents, academic deans, faculty, research staff, and external partners to ensure the long-term success of FAMU's center and institute enterprises.

FAMU achieved dual recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classification as both a Research 2 university and an Opportunity College & University. This designation places FAMU among an elite group of just 27 institutions nationwide recognized for excellence in both advancing research and expanding student opportunity. FAMU's inclusion in both categories underscores the University's commitment to academic innovation and socioeconomic impact. Located in Tallahassee—the capital of Florida—FAMU benefits from close proximity to key policy makers, research collaborators, and funding agencies. The city is recognized by the National Civic League as an All-American City and offers a unique blend of Southern charm, civic engagement, innovation, and affordable living.

The successful candidate will possess a terminal degree (e.g., PhD, EdD, MD, JD, or equivalent) in a discipline offered by the university, demonstrate qualifications and scholarly achievements appropriate for appointment to a tenure-track faculty position in a discipline offered by the university, and proven leadership experience (minimum 7-10 years) in research management, grants administration, and higher education executive roles.

Preferred qualifications include a basic knowledge, understanding, and be a promoter of experiential learning and new learning modalities fostered by cyber collaboration, innovation, sustainability, and resilience (e.g., AI, Cybersecurity, Cyber policy, Ethics, etc.), have strong financial acumen with experience overseeing research budgets, ROI assessments, and grant funding, demonstrate their ability to analyze research impact data, prepare high-level reports, and present findings to university leaders and government agencies, manage faculty, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams in a research-intensive environment and have excellent communication, policy development, and stakeholder engagement skills.

To view the complete position profile, click here: FAMU Prospectus.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Florida A&M University (FAMU) with this search. Nominations and applications are now being accepted. Applicants should include their curriculum vitae detailing leadership experience in research administration, a cover letter outlining their vision for FAMU's Centers and Institutes, and a statement on strategic research oversight and ROI driven management. Acceptance and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct applications, inquiries, and nominations to

• Shelley Feather, Senior Executive Search Consultant, shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com
• Itza Walters, Senior Executive Search Consultant, itzawalters@greenwoodsearch.com
• Marion Frenche, Associate Vice President of Executive Search, marionfrenche@greenwoodsearch.com

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is an equal opportunity/equal access University. The successful candidate is subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks and verification of education. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (850) 599-3076.

This search is being conducted under Florida law, including the Sunshine law and Public Records law.