Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy

Texas A&M University System • Washington, DC

19d • Onsite

About The Position

The Texas A&M University System seeks a strategic leader to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy. This newly created position will play a pivotal role in advancing the System's research enterprise by identifying and aligning federal research opportunities with institutional strengths, fostering strategic relationships with federal agencies and program officials, and positioning faculty and staff for success in securing competitive funding. Operating from the A&M System's Washington, D.C. office, the Assistant Vice Chancellor will provide real-time intelligence on emerging federal research priorities, coordinate cross-system initiatives, and serve as a bridge between research development efforts and federal engagement strategies. This role represents a critical investment in strategic capacity, ensuring the A&M System remains a national leader in research innovation and partnership development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, science, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in federal relations, research development, or science policy, with demonstrated success in securing or influencing federal research funding.
• Deep understanding of the federal research ecosystem, including agency priorities, competitive grant processes, and emerging trends.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with federal officials and academic stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, leadership, customer service, public relations, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize, manage a high volume of work and handle confidential and time sensitive issues.
• Requires flexibility, discretion, and sound judgment in a dynamic policy environment.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Nice To Haves

• Master's, Ph.D., or J.D. preferred.
• Experience representing a major research university or system in Washington, D.C.
• Familiarity with multi-disciplinary research initiatives and large-scale proposal development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Intelligence & Planning - Monitor and analyze federal research trends, priorities, and funding mechanisms across agencies such as NSF, DOE, DOD, NIH, USDA, and others.
• In collaboration with Office of Federal Relations colleagues, develop and implement strategies to align institutional research strengths with federal priorities.
• Provide actionable insights to System leadership and faculty to inform research planning and proposal development.
• Federal Engagement & Relationship Building - Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with federal agency leaders, program managers, and policy influencers.
• Facilitate faculty engagement with federal officials through briefings, workshops, and targeted networking opportunities.
• Represent the A&M System at federal meetings, conferences, and strategic forums.
• Cross-System Coordination - Collaborate and coordinate with the A&M System Office of Research and with research development offices across A&M System institutions and agencies to identify high-impact opportunities.
• Serve as a member of the Federal Relations team to ensure coordination and continuity.
• Coordinate multi-institutional initiatives and consortia aimed at addressing national research priorities.
• Serve as a resource for faculty and administrators on federal science policy and funding developments.
• Visibility & Advocacy - Elevate the A&M System's profile in national research arenas through strategic positioning and thought leadership.
• Prepare reports, analyses, and communications that articulate institutional capabilities and competitive advantages.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• competitive health benefits
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor
• additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options
• tuition assistance
• wellness programs to promote work/life balance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive