Director of Research & Innovation

Hiring Department: IC2 Institute

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt

Earliest Start Date: Immediately (Preferred: June 1, 2026)

Location: UT Main Campus, Austin, TX

Salary: $170,000+ depending on qualifications

General Notes

The Director of Research & Innovation is a senior leadership position focused on shaping and advancing the Institute's research portfolio. In close partnership with the Executive Director and the Manager of Strategy and Engagement, this position co-develops long-term, interdisciplinary, and mission-aligned research programs that align with the Institute's mission and The University of Texas at Austin's strategic priorities.

Serving as a trusted advisor and institutional steward, this position strengthens cross-campus and external collaborations, leads research initiatives, and fosters a culture of translational, problem-focused research that delivers real-world impact.

For more information about IC2 Institute, please visit: https://ic2.utexas.edu

Purpose

To advance the Institute's research portfolio in alignment with The University of Texas at Austin's strategic goals. This position involves strategic planning, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving innovation in research delivery to produce real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Institutional Alignment: Partner with the Executive Director to shape and refine the Institute's research vision and long-term strategy. Collaborate with the Manager of Strategy and Engagement to align research planning, institutional priorities and operational goals.
• Research Strategy & Program Oversight: Lead the design, launch, and ongoing evolution of interdisciplinary research funding programs across the university. Develop clear and transparent selection, evaluation, and reporting processes.
• Campus-Wide Research Engagement: Cultivate strong relationships with colleges, centers, and researchers across the UT Austin ecosystem. Serve as a champion for cross-disciplinary, problem-focused collaboration.
• Innovation in Research Delivery & Knowledge Mobilization: Pilot and evaluate innovative approaches to research, such as applied research, community partnerships and open science.
• Institutional Development & Sustainability: Contribute to long-term strategy, capacity building, and succession planning for the Institute's research mission.
• Research Communication & Writing: Lead or contribute to the development of high-quality proposals, research reports and white papers. Translate complex research findings into accessible formats for policymakers, funders and the public.

Required Qualifications

• Significant experience in research strategy or management (higher ed, public policy, or research nonprofits)
• Proven ability to design and oversee research programs (evaluation, funding, collaboration)
• Familiarity with university structures and ability to navigate decentralized institutions
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills (presentations, reports, white papers)
• Strong commitment to innovation
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-sector collaboration
• Previous experience in stakeholder engagement
• Master's degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with translational research, applied scholarship, and/or public engagement
• PhD or equivalent

Working Conditions

• Typical office environment
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• This is an Austin, TX based position