Associate Vice President for Research

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi•Austin, TX

69d

About The Position

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC's beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), a Carnegie R2 institution (High Research Spending and Doctorate Production), is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as its Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR) under the Division of Research and Innovation (R&I). Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation (EVPR), the AVPR will provide strategic leadership to advance the University's research mission. This executive role is pivotal in driving the growth of research programs, fostering a culture of innovation and academic excellence, and elevating TAMU-CC's research profile on the path toward Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production). The AVPR will develop and lead high-impact initiatives across campus, ensuring that research, scholarly, and creative activities at TAMU-CC continue to thrive and gain recognition regionally, nationally, and internationally. In this role, the AVPR will play a leading role in key aspects of the University's research enterprise - from long-range strategic planning to research development and partnership building, among others. The successful candidate will be an inspiring, forward-thinking leader who can navigate complex initiatives, support faculty and student researchers, and enhance the visibility of TAMU-CC's research contributions.

Requirements

Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
Six (6) years of experience in higher education, including at least three (3) years in a significant research leadership or administrative role (e.g. department chair, center/institute director, or equivalent).
A strong record of scholarly and/or creative accomplishments, including a successful track record of securing and managing external research funding (grants, contracts, or other sponsored projects).
Demonstrated experience in supporting and advancing faculty research success by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening proposal competitiveness, mentoring early-career investigators, and fostering collaborative teams to pursue large-scale grants.
Knowledge of research administration and operations in a university setting. Demonstrated experience with grant management, sponsored research processes, and related areas.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of articulation and professionalism to deliver a compelling vision for the research enterprise.
Strong interpersonal and team-building skills to effectively collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, leaders, and external partners) and to inspire a culture of excellence and innovation.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement in research operations.
Ability to work independently, manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.
Ability to handle sensitive and complex issues with confidentiality, discretion, fairness, and transparency.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Nice To Haves

Academic Rank: Attainment of tenured faculty status at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, reflecting significant experience and credibility as a scholar.
Broader Experience: Experience working beyond one's own discipline, such as leading or facilitating interdisciplinary, convergent, or transdisciplinary research initiatives, and a demonstrated ability to appreciate and support a wide range of academic fields and research methodologies.
Funding Agency Insight: Experience as a program officer or similar role with a federal or private research funding organization, or significant experience in working closely with such agencies. This background provides valuable insight into funding processes and sponsor expectations.
R1 Environment Exposure: Experience at a research-intensive institution or a record of contributing to the growth of a research enterprise toward R1-level performance. Familiarity with the scale, scope, and standards of top-tier research universities is highly desirable.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A proven record of promoting innovation, such as involvement in technology commercialization, patent development, startup creation, or public-private research partnerships.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a bold research strategy
Integrate research with institutional goals
Champion a culture of innovation
Serve as a senior research leader
Empower and support faculty research
Drive interdisciplinary collaboration
Oversee research support operations and infrastructure
Policy development and resource management
Cultivate strategic partnerships
Promote research visibility and advocacy
Advance innovation and commercialization
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

$0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
Dental & Vision
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Public Loan Forgiveness
Book scholarships
100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
12-15 paid holidays each year.