Director of Research & Innovation

University of Texas at Austin

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Research & Innovation is a senior leadership position focused on shaping and advancing the Institute’s research portfolio. In close partnership with the Executive Director and the Manager of Strategy and Engagement, this position co-develops the long-term, interdisciplinary, and mission-aligned research programs that align with the Institute’s mission and The University of Texas at Austin’s strategic priorities. This role ensures continuity by building research infrastructure and advancing innovation in research delivery. Serving as a trusted advisor and institutional steward, this position strengthens cross-campus and external collaborations, leads research initiatives, and fosters a culture of translational, problem-focused research that delivers real-world impact. The role works collaboratively across teams to ensure that research efforts are coordinated, measurable and sustainable. They are also a skilled writer and communicator, able to synthesize complex ideas into compelling reports and documents for diverse audiences. For more information about IC² Institute, please visit: https://ic2.utexas.edu Purpose To advance the Institute’s research portfolio in alignment with The University of Texas at Austin’s strategic goals. This position involves strategic planning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation in research delivery to produce real-world impact.

Requirements

• Significant experience in research strategy or management (higher ed, public policy, or research nonprofits)
• Proven ability to design and oversee research programs (evaluation, funding, collaboration)
• Familiarity with university structures and ability to navigate decentralized institutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills (presentations, reports, white papers)
• Strong commitment to innovation
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-sector collaboration
• Previous experience in stakeholder engagement.
• Master’s degree
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with translational research, applied scholarship, and/or public engagement
• PhD or equivalent

Responsibilities

• STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & INSTITUTIONAL ALIGNMENT: Partner with the Executive Director to shape and refine the Institute’s research vision and long-term strategy. Collaborate with the Manager of Strategy and Engagement to align research planning, institutional priorities and operational goals. Translate research goals into actionable programs, ensuring cohesion across leadership with broader University initiatives. Support coordination with internal stakeholders.
• RESEARCH STRATEGY & PROGRAM OVERSIGHT: Lead the design, launch, and ongoing evolution of interdisciplinary research funding programs across the university. Develop clear and transparent selection, evaluation, and reporting processes to maintain accountability and impartiality. Identify new funding opportunities and collaborate with faculty and external partners to pursue grants, contracts, and philanthropic support. Champion the development of research projects that produce translational outcomes and public value, in alignment with UT’s strategic goals.
• CAMPUS-WIDE RESEARCH ENGAGEMENT: Cultivate strong relationships with colleges, centers, and researchers across the UT Austin ecosystem. Serve as a champion for cross-disciplinary, problem-focused collaboration. Act as a liaison between the Institute and academic units to align research activities with institutional priorities.
• INNOVATION IN RESEARCH DELIVERY & KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION: Pilot and evaluate innovative approaches to research, such as applied research, community partnerships and open science. Leverage technology and cross-sector partnerships to improve the relevance and reach of research outputs. Monitor trends in translational research, public scholarship, and innovation to inform Institute strategy.
• INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SUSTAINABILITY: Contribute to long-term strategy, capacity building, and succession planning for the Institute’s research mission. Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure alignment across all research functions. Help development durable partnerships, funding mechanisms, and frameworks that extend the Institute’s research impact over time.
• RESEARCH COMMUNICATION & WRITING: Lead or contribute to the development of high-quality proposals, research reports and white papers. Translate complex research findings into accessible formats for policymakers, funders and the public. Ensure excellence, clarity and consistency in all research communications produced by the Institute.

What This Job Offers

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