Vice President, Research and Innovation

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.

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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. 

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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 leadership experience in research administration and sponsored programs to include:

  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research.

  • Experience leading cross-disciplinary research initiatives.

 

Required competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Demonstrated strategic and visionary leadership with the ability to execute and drive organizational outcomes.

• Proven ability to lead and manage complex research portfolios, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and operations.

• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-informed decisions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.

• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership and confidentiality.

• Knowledge of research administration, including compliance, export controls, and environmental health and safety regulations.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and operate effectively in a complex organizational environment.

• Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset with the ability to foster growth, partnerships, and new opportunities.

• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and advancing student engagement in research at all levels.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in economic development, particularly rural or regional initiatives.

• Track record in technology transfer and commercialization.

• Experience working in a multi-campus or system-based institution.

• Experience transitioning an institution from R2 to R1 status.

 

Key Impact Areas

• Expansion of externally funded research portfolio

• Growth in interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives

• Strengthened institutional reputation in research and innovation

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Application Procedure:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website by August 18, 2026. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.

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
 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.