Position Summary

The Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) serves as the University’s Chief Research Officer and provides executive leadership for all research and innovation activities. This role is responsible for advancing the institution’s research enterprise and fostering a culture of scholarship and innovation. The VPRI serves as a member of the President’s Executive Team and collaborates with academic, industry, and government partners to expand research capacity, secure external funding, and enhance interdisciplinary initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the university’s research, innovation, and economic development enterprise.
• Lead institutional planning efforts for research growth, sponsored programs, and technology transfer.
• Serve as a key advisor to the President on research priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Participate in executive decision-making regarding university planning, budgeting, and policy development.

Research Administration & Program Oversight

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and administration of all research and economic development initiatives.
• Lead the Division of Research, Innovation & Economic Development, including affiliated research centers and programs.
• Facilitate multidisciplinary research and campus-wide initiatives.
• Promote faculty and student research at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Sponsored Programs & Funding

• Oversee grant development, submission, and negotiation of contracts for complex research initiatives.
• Ensure effective pre-award and post-award administration of sponsored programs.
• Expand external funding through federal, state, industry, and private sources.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system-level research regulations and policies.
• Oversee research compliance programs including IRB, IACUC, Conflict of Interest, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Export Controls.
• Coordinate with system and governmental entities on research-related requirements.

Innovation

• Lead initiatives that drive innovation and community engagement at regional and national levels.
• Partner with industry and community stakeholders to align research with workforce and economic needs.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
• Serve as an ambassador for the university’s research mission.
• Collaborate with peer institutions and research leaders to advance shared initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

Required Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in research administration and sponsored programs to include: Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research. Experience leading cross-disciplinary research initiatives.

Required competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Demonstrated strategic and visionary leadership with the ability to execute and drive organizational outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex research portfolios, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and operations.
• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of research administration, including compliance, export controls, and environmental health and safety regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and operate effectively in a complex organizational environment.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset with the ability to foster growth, partnerships, and new opportunities.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and advancing student engagement in research at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in economic development, particularly rural or regional initiatives.
• Track record in technology transfer and commercialization.
• Experience working in a multi-campus or system-based institution.
• Experience transitioning an institution from R2 to R1 status.