Executive Director, Research Computing Office

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.•Corvallis, OR

6d•$200,000 - $230,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Research and Innovation is hiring an Executive Director, Research Computing Office (RCO), a 0.80 FTE, 12-month professional faculty position based in Corvallis. The Executive Director provides operational leadership and strategic program management to advance OSU’s research computing services in support of its research and innovation enterprise. The role is the primary operational authority for the RCO, responsible for developing and scaling programs, managing the service portfolio, creating sustainable business models, and coordinating across a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. It translates institutional priorities into programs, services, and partnerships that help faculty and research teams use computing, data, and AI effectively. The position reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) and works closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO), who provides oversight and guidance on IT strategy, infrastructure alignment, and institutional IT governance. As part of a four-party tandem leadership model, the Executive Director serves as enterprise integrator and aligns the work of the group without taking responsibility for technical infrastructure, which is led by the Chief Technology Officer. The Executive Director also represents OSU in national research computing, AI, cyberinfrastructure, and advanced research collaborations. The successful candidate will help shape how OSU uses AI, advanced computing, and digital research to advance discovery. The role’s impact includes empowering researchers, accelerating discoveries, preparing students, and building partnerships. Occasional travel to Bend, Newport, Portland, and beyond is required. Starting salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience; the listed salary range is $200,000–$230,000.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years of professional experience in a research-intensive, technical, or higher-education environment, including support for research programs, data-intensive work, or technology-enabled services.
At least 10 years in a leadership or supervisory role, including responsibility for coordinating staff, programs, or operational activities.
Demonstrated executive leadership of a complex research computing, digital research, cyberinfrastructure, AI, or technology organization serving a large research enterprise.
Experience leading organizational transformation across multiple organizational boundaries.
Experience developing long-term strategic partnerships.
Demonstrated experience managing programs, services, or projects, including coordinating resources, timelines, and deliverables.
Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence executive leaders, faculty governance, and external stakeholders.
Experience supporting research activities, including familiarity with proposal development, research programs, or large-scale initiatives.
Experience contributing to budget management, financial planning, or cost-recovery/service-based models within established guidelines.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to broad audiences and facilitate collaboration.
Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive excellence in the workplace and/or through programmatic efforts.
Experience working within or alongside governance structures, such as resource-allocation frameworks, committee-based decision processes, or shared-service governance models in a complex organization.
Successful completion of a criminal history check and determination of position qualification are required for this critical or security-sensitive position; incumbents must self-report convictions.
Final candidates must complete a sexual misconduct reference check; employment offers are contingent on satisfactory results.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (master’s or above) in a relevant field, such as science, engineering, data science, public administration, or business.
Experience developing or managing service portfolios, service catalogs, or shared-service models in a complex organization.
Experience working in or with research-intensive universities, national laboratories, or industry research organizations.
Experience building or leading multi-organization partnerships, consortia, or networked initiatives across public, academic, or nonprofit sectors.
Experience developing business models, cost-recovery frameworks, or fee-for-service programs.
Experience supporting or coordinating large research proposals, center-level funding initiatives, or externally funded projects.
Experience supporting Research Software Engineering (RSE) or similar research-support models.
Experience contributing to organizational change, program development, service scaling, economic development, innovation, or technology transfer.

Responsibilities

Lead the operational development, coordination, and delivery of RCO services, including staff supervision and day-to-day operations.
Build and maintain a service portfolio and catalog aligned with faculty needs.
Develop partnerships with faculty, in collaboration with the Senior Faculty Advisor, to identify emerging research needs, shape future services, and align research computing with university priorities.
Manage operational budgets and develop cost-recovery and sustainability models, including plans for long-term financial sustainability.
Grow Research Software Engineering (RSE) capabilities.
Embed governance, compliance, and security in coordination with the Chief Information Security Officer and Associate Vice President for Research Integrity.
Renew and expand infrastructure through grants and national HPC partnerships.
Build collaborative relationships with colleges, centers, and administrative units.
Develop partnerships with industry, government, and peer institutions.
Support funding opportunities alongside faculty and research development teams.
Represent RCO in internal and external forums.
Align messaging and priorities with the VPRI, CIO, and Huang Complex leadership.
Promote inclusive participation, including outreach to groups underrepresented in STEM.
Represent OSU in national research computing, AI, cyberinfrastructure, and advanced research collaborations.