Vice President, Research and Innovation

About this role

Job Title Vice President, Research and Innovation

Agency Tarleton State University

Department Office of The President

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Stephenville, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description Tarleton State University invites letters of nomination and applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references) to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications are submitted before August 18, 2026 .

Please submit electronic applications directly to Parker Executive Search. For additional information, please contact: Porsha Williams, Vice President Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal Julia Butler-Mayes, Ph.D., Associate Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 | Atlanta, GA 30328 (678) 775-4564 pwilliams@parkersearch.com  || janderson@parkersearch.com  || jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com

Electronic submission of materials required.

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Vice President, Research and Innovation in the Division of Research . As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco , along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville , where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond. ________________________________________________________________________ Important Immigration Information: A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee.     In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate.  ________________________________________________________________________

The Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) serves as the University’s Chief Research Officer and provides executive leadership for all research and innovation activities. This role is responsible for advancing the institution’s research enterprise and fostering a culture of scholarship and innovation. The VPRI serves as a member of the President’s Executive Team and collaborates with academic, industry, and government partners to expand research capacity, secure external funding, and enhance interdisciplinary initiatives.

Executive Leadership & Strategy • Provide strategic leadership and vision for the university’s research, innovation, and economic development enterprise.

• Lead institutional planning efforts for research growth, sponsored programs, and technology transfer.

• Serve as a key advisor to the President on research priorities and emerging opportunities.

• Participate in executive decision-making regarding university planning, budgeting, and policy development.

Research Administration & Program Oversight • Oversee the planning, coordination, and administration of all research and economic development initiatives.

• Lead the Division of Research and Innovation, including affiliated research centers and programs.

• Facilitate multidisciplinary research and campus-wide initiatives.

• Promote faculty and student research at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Sponsored Programs & Funding • Oversee grant development, submission, and negotiation of contracts for complex research initiatives.

• Ensure effective pre-award and post-award administration of sponsored programs.

• Expand external funding through federal, state, industry, and private sources.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system-level research regulations and policies.

• Oversee research compliance programs including IRB, IACUC, Conflict of Interest, and Export Controls.

• Coordinate with system and governmental entities on research-related requirements.

Innovation • Lead initiatives that drive economic development and community engagement at regional and national levels.

• Partner with industry and community stakeholders to align research with workforce and economic needs.

Partnerships & External Relations • Build and sustain strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government.

• Serve as an ambassador for the university’s research mission.

• Collaborate with peer institutions and research leaders to advance shared initiatives.

  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Required Education & Experience: • Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.

• Minimum of 10 years of lead

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