Vice President of Innovation

Concordia University Texas•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Innovation serves as a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven senior executive responsible for accelerating institutional growth. The acceleration of institutional growth is through expanding strategic partnerships, cultivating revenue innovation, strengthening campus culture, and advancing the University's strategic sustainability. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP of Innovation leads Concordia's strategic engagement ecosystem, working to integrate external partnerships, business development, advancement strategy, community engagement, auxiliary enterprise growth, sponsorships, innovation initiatives, and institutional visibility into one cohesive growth strategy. While not directly responsible for every functional area within this ecosystem, the role demands a high level of discernment, collaborative influence, and the ability to galvanize cross-functional partners by identifying, championing, and pushing potential opportunities through to execution, with revenue growth as the central priority. The VP of Innovation works closely with all members of the Leadership Team to position Concordia University Texas as a premier Christian university recognized for innovation, community impact, workforce development, student transformation, and sustainable institutional growth.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Minimum 10–15 years of executive leadership experience in one or more of the following: higher education, business development, revenue operations, strategic partnerships, advancement/fundraising, corporate leadership, nonprofit leadership, or ministry leadership
Demonstrated success generating significant organizational growth and revenue expansion
Proven ability to build high-level strategic relationships and partnerships
Exceptional communication, public speaking, and leadership skills
Strong strategic planning and organizational development experience
Deep alignment with the mission and Christian values of Concordia University Texas
Ability to articulate and model the Concordia University Texas’ mission, vision, and values
Commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity as a key component of becoming the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work
All CTX positions require mission-driven individuals who have a heart for the Gospel and are committed to the Concordia Distinctive, our faith-based mission of empowering students from all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action, and courageous leadership.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree strongly preferred
Experience in Christian-based higher education or related sectors
Experience leading organizational transformation or institutional change initiatives
Familiarity with the Austin business, ministry, nonprofit, and civic ecosystem
Entrepreneurial leadership background with measurable innovation success

Responsibilities

Collaborate with executive leadership to identify emerging opportunities in higher education, workforce partnerships, technology, ministry, philanthropy, and regional development
Lead institutional growth initiatives that increase enrollment influence, financial sustainability, community relevance, and long-term impact
Build scalable strategies that diversify and strengthen non-tuition revenue streams
Develop and execute university-wide revenue generation strategies aligned with institutional mission and values
Identify and cultivate strategic corporate partnerships, sponsorships and grant opportunities, naming opportunities, auxiliary enterprises, and innovation ventures
Expand revenue opportunities across multiple channels, including: Conferences and events, Corporate training and workforce development, Degree programs and continuing education, Athletics partnerships, Community programming, Venue and facility utilization, Sponsor Engagement, Revenue sharing partnerships, Ministry partnerships
Collaborate with advancement and finance leadership to align philanthropic strategy, enrollment opportunities and academic program development with institutional growth initiatives
Supervise the Office of Campus Operations
Serve as the University's lead ambassador for strategic external relationships
Build meaningful partnership strategy across a broad range of sectors, including: Churches and faith communities, Corporate and business leaders, Nonprofits and ministries, Civic and governmental organizations, Educational systems, Healthcare organizations, Arts and cultural institutions, Innovation and technology sectors
Increase Concordia's visibility and influence throughout Austin and the broader region
Help cultivate a campus culture defined by innovation, hospitality, entrepreneurial thinking, mission integration, community impact, and student-centered service
Champion a healthy, collaborative, mission-centered culture across campus
Lead strategic change initiatives with emotional intelligence, transparency, and organizational trust
Serve as an advisor to the President on growth strategy, organizational change, and institutional sustainability
Contribute to executive decision-making regarding financial sustainability, capital development, strategic planning, campus expansion, community engagement, innovation initiatives, and enrollment influence
Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable outcomes tied to institutional growth and engagement goals
Other duties as assigned by the President