Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy and Programs

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University seeks an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy and Programs to provide strategic leadership for ORI's Research Strategy & Programs unit. You will advance institutional priorities, coordinate across colleges and institutes, and align proposals with federal opportunities.

The role requires Master’s degree with significant research leadership experience and a track record of supervising staff, engaging stakeholders, and guiding complex strategic initiatives at a

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and significant experience in research execution, administration, strategic research development, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading research strategy, program development, or large-scale research initiatives in university or federal settings.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise professional staff and manage unit-level operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex research strategies and priorities, and collaborate across organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research Strategy & Programs unit within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI).
• Advance NC State’s research priorities by strengthening early-stage concept development, strategic planning, and alignment with federal priorities.
• Lead research development activities supporting cross‑university teams and coordinate federal engagement efforts within ORI.
• Coordinate with colleges, centers, and institutes to strengthen concepts and align capabilities with sponsor expectations and federal priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Job description

Working Title:

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy and Programs

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm (Hybrid flexible work arrangement possible)

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department:

068201 - ORI - Research Initiatives

About the Department:

The Office of Research Initiatives, housed within the Office of Research and Innovation, drives the strategic growth and long-term competitiveness of the university’s research enterprise. RI identifies, develops, and advances major research opportunities and institutionally aligned initiatives, working across colleges, faculty, research centers, institutes, and external partners to position NC State for success in large-scale, high-impact funding opportunities.

Through strategic research development, complex proposal coordination, and oversight of centers and institutes administered within ORI, RI strengthens institutional research capacity, builds a pipeline of transformative initiatives, and ensures that research investments align with emerging federal priorities and institutional goals.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits:

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties:

As the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy & Programs, you will provide strategic leadership for the Research Strategy & Programs unit within the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives, you will advance NC State’s research priorities by strengthening early-stage concept development, strategic research planning, and alignment with emerging federal priorities. You will lead research development activities that support cross-university individuals and teams, coordinate research strategy and federal engagement efforts within ORI, and assist with the coordination and oversight of Centers and Institutes administered by ORI. Working closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor, Proposal Development Unit, colleges, centers, and institutes, you will help advance institutional research priorities and strengthen the university’s competitiveness for research opportunities.

Research Strategy & Programs Leadership

• Lead strategic planning and concept development for the Research Strategy & Programs unit, with a focus on institutional research priorities, emerging federal priorities, and high-impact research opportunities.
• Direct the unit’s strategic research development and federal engagement activities, ensuring coordination with ORI priorities and university research strategy.
• Lead and support staff responsible for research development, federal engagement, and proposal readiness activities.
• Establish priorities and coordinate activities across ORI divisions, colleges, centers, and institutes to advance institutional research goals.

Strategic Research Development & Federal Alignment

• Monitor and analyze emerging federal research priorities, multi-agency initiatives, and funding opportunities to identify areas of strategic opportunity for NC State.
• Guide development of competitive research concepts, teams, and strategies in high-impact and emerging research areas.
• Partner with colleges, centers, and institutes to strengthen research concepts and align institutional capabilities with federal priorities and sponsor expectations.
• Coordinate with the Proposal Development Unit to connect strategic research planning with proposal development and institutional positioning.

Institutional Coordination & Centers and Institutes

• Advance cross-university coordination of strategic research initiatives involving ORI divisions, colleges, centers, and institutes.
• Support the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives in coordinating and overseeing activities for Centers and Institutes administered by ORI.
• Contribute to enterprise-level planning and strategic alignment for ORI-affiliated Centers and Institutes.
• Represent the Research Strategy & Programs portfolio in institutional planning, working groups, and ORI-wide strategic initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Communication

• Build relationships with faculty, research leaders, and external partners to identify and advance strategic research opportunities.
• Communicate federal priorities, institutional research strengths, and emerging opportunities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and contribute to briefings, presentations, and other materials supporting research strategy, federal engagement, and institutional priorities.
• Represent the unit in meetings and discussions with internal and external stakeholders as delegated by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives.

In this role, you will help shape NC State’s research strategy and strengthen the university’s position for future research opportunities. If you are a strategic research leader who can connect emerging federal priorities with institutional research strengths, build effective partnerships across a complex research environment, and advance high-impact opportunities, we welcome you to apply.

Other Responsibilities:

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the Office of Research and Innovation’s mission and institutional research priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field and significant experience in research execution, administration, strategic research development, federal research engagement, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading research strategy, program development, or large-scale research initiatives in a university, federal, or research-intensive environment.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning and research development activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of federal research priorities, sponsor expectations, and emerging research domains.
• Previous experience supervising professional staff and managing unit-level operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate complex research strategies and priorities, collaborate across organizational levels, and build productive stakeholder relationships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience leading research strategy, program development, or large-scale research initiatives in a university, federal, or research-intensive environment.
• Experience supporting or leading large-scale federal proposals or multi-agency initiatives as a staff or faculty member.
• Familiarity with advanced technology research domains (e.g., advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, quantum, AI, defense and security).

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required:

No

Commercial Driver's License required:

No

Job Open Date:

10/13/2026

Anticipated Close Date:

10/27/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

EEO and Diversity Statement:

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.