Executive Director Research Engagement - Associate/Full Professor - Campus only search - Tenure - 529178

The University of Alabama • Tuscaloosa, AL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Alabama seeks a peer-level academic leader to direct the Research ASSIST Office within the Division for Research’s Integrated Venture Development unit. The role is a unique 50% faculty appointment for an active, respected scholar with direct experience pursuing academic grants and leading major, center-scale federal programs, such as initiatives funded by the DoD, DoE, NIH, or NSF.

The Director will lead a proactive institutional research-development framework, rather than administrative compliance, and build a visible, trusted presence across campus. Working collaboratively and non-invasively with deans, center directors, institute directors, and faculty, the Director will develop consensus, foster multidisciplinary teams, and advance research across STEM and non-STEM disciplines. The role calls for strong relationships with national laboratories, federal funding agencies, and industrial consortia, along with strategic planning, operational resilience, and the ability to mentor and motivate faculty in a dynamic research environment.

Requirements

• Tenured Associate Professor or higher academic rank at the University of Alabama; preference is given to candidates at the Full Professor level.
• Terminal degree.
• Proven and active leadership history as a Principal Investigator or Co-PI.
• Demonstrated track record of securing, executing, and scaling major federal grants and center-level programs, including programs across agencies such as DoD, DoE, NIH, or NSF.
• Exceptional success building proactive, multi-year relationships with national laboratories, federal funding agencies, and industrial consortia.
• Capacity to understand, respect, and support diverse fields of scholarship and commitment to advancing the university across STEM and non-STEM disciplines.
• Interpersonal excellence, tactical diplomacy, and high emotional intelligence.
• Elite written and verbal communication skills, with transparency, reliable accessibility, and an open, approachable communication style.
• Operational resilience, adaptability, patience, reliability, and emotional stability when balancing stakeholder priorities under pressure.
• Advanced strategic planning skills and realistic foresight to manage constrained resources, pace deliverables, and establish multi-year planning.
• Collaborative leadership style that inspires and mentors faculty and builds research teams.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated track record of securing competitive external funding from multiple federal, state, industry, or other external funding agencies.
• Full Professor academic rank.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Research ASSIST Office and champion an end-to-end institutional framework focused on proactive research development rather than administrative compliance.
• Build a trusted, visible campus presence and work collaboratively with deans, center directors, and institute directors to build consensus and cross-functional teams.
• Advance institutional research agendas through relationships with national laboratories, federal funding agencies, and industrial consortia.
• Advocate for and support multidisciplinary scholarship across STEM and non-STEM disciplines.
• Navigate institutional complexities, bridge administrative silos, and coordinate across colleges.
• Mentor and inspire faculty, build effective research teams, and catalyze cross-disciplinary team science.
• Use strategic planning and long-runway planning to manage constrained operational resources and pace deliverables.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree