Director, Institute for Government Innovation / Faculty of Practice

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State University is seeking a Director for the Institute for Government Innovation. The position requires leadership in building partnerships, overseeing an internship program, and securing funding. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in Geography or related field and significant project management experience. This is a full-time role based in San Marcos, Texas.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Geography or related field required.
• Extensive experience in community-based participatory research preferred.
• Strong track record in securing funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Institute for Government Innovation to foster partnerships.
• Oversee an internship program benefitting students.
• Secure external funding for the institute's projects.

Skills

Partnership-building

Community engagement

Project management

Participatory research

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D. in Geography or related field

Tools

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

Job description

Position Title:

Director, Institute for Government Innovation / Faculty of Practice

Job Posting Number:

2025048NTL

Job Location:

San Marcos

College/Division:

College of Liberal Arts

Department/School:

Department of Geography and Environmental Studies

Position Description :

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice to serve as Director of the Institute for Government Innovation (IGI). The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in fostering strong partnerships between stakeholder communities, organizations, and university researchers by providing tools and technologies to identify, support, and sustain collaborative efforts. This is a non-tenure line, promotion-eligible position. The Director of IGI is responsible for maintaining the institute’s delivery of specialized expertise and resources to local, regional, and state communities while articulating new initiatives for IGI, with an emphasis on expanding external funding.

Since its establishment in 2003, the IGI has secured over $21 million in funding for the University, a testament to its impactful work and reputation. The Director is key in continuing to build on this success and will work to secure new funding through grants, contracts, and partnerships, ensuring the sustainability and growth of IGI’s projects and services.

The Director also leads the department’s internship program, offering invaluable work experience to students and fostering new internship opportunities. Nearly 500 students have benefited from IGI internships to date, and this position will play a central role in expanding these opportunities by partnering with external agencies and department alumni. The Director may also teach a 1-credit hour Professional Development course each semester to provide Geography and Environmental Studies majors with essential skills to launch their careers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize participatory methods to engage with stakeholder communities
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships between stakeholder communities, organizations, and university researchers
• Provide tools and technologies to support community-driven initiatives
• Work towards achieving positive community change through collaborative efforts
• Oversee internship program
• Secure external funding
  
  

The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Texas State University has 34 full-time faculty members, over 400 undergraduate majors in BA and BS programs and over 120 graduate students in our Master of Science (MS), Master of Applied Geography (MAG), and PhD programs in geography, geographic education, and geographic information science. The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies is part of the College of Liberal Arts.

https://www.geo.txst.edu/Required Qualifications:

For all ranks:

• Ph.D. in Geography or related field
• Strong partnership-building skills

For the Assistant Professor of Practice Rank:

• Minimum of five years of recent experience in the public or private sector and a proven record of successful project management and collaboration with academic and community partners.

For the Associate Professor of Practice Rank:

• Minimum of ten years of recent experience in the public or private sector and a proven record of successful project management and collaboration with academic and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

For all ranks:

• Demonstrated experience in community-based participatory research
• Proficiency in using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other spatial analysis tools
• Strong background in qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proven record of securing grant or contract funding

Application Procedures:

To ensure full consideration, please submit the materials listed below by July 1, 2025. Only applications submitted through the Texas State University website will be considered:https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/52229
The application must include:

1. Cover letter not to exceed four pages outlining the applicant’s professional qualifications, area of expertise, and fit within the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
2. Up-to-date curriculum vitae.
3. Unofficial Transcripts (all in one document).
4. The name, e-mail address, and telephone number of three references. Please provide the names and email addresses for your references in the Reference Letter section of the employment application. Upon review of your application, an automated email will be generated and sent to your references with instructions on how to attach the reference letter to your application through a confidential online portal.

For inquiries, please e-mail Dr. Alberto Giordano, Chair of the Search Committee, at [e-mail] and indicate “TXST Faculty of Practice – Center Director” in the subject line of all correspondence.

To be considered in the initial pool of candidates, complete applications must be received no later than July 1, 2025. Complete applications received after this date will only be considered if no viable candidates are identified and hired from the initial pool. This position will remain open until filled. All positions are subject to availability of funds.Type of Position:

Full-Time

Proposed Start Date:

09/01/2025

Posting Date:

04/17/2025

Review Date :

07/02/2025

Open Until Filled?:

Yes

Legal Notices:

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

This position may conduct research on critical infrastructure depending on the research focus of a hire. Consistent with the requirements of the State of Texas, individuals conducting research on critical infrastructure will be subject to pre-employment, and then subsequent routine background checks/cybersecurity screenings. Employment will at all times be contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings in accordance with State and University requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you experience accessibility issues or require alternative formatting during the application process due to a disability or underlying condition, we request that you contact Talent Acquisition for assistance. A representative from Talent Acquisition will respond to you as soon as possible.

Record Checks and Verifications:

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

Eligibility for Employment:

Proper documentation of identity and eligibility for employment will be required before the hiring process can be completed.

Why Work at Texas State?:

Texas State University is home to more than 38,000 students and 2,000 faculty members in the growing Austin-San Antonio corridor. A member of the Doctoral Universities: Higher Research Activity Carnegie classification, the university creates new knowledge, fosters cultural and economic development, and prepares its growing student population for the endless possibilities that await them as citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world.

Bolstered by research with relevance and innovation in creative and scholarly work in a full range of academic disciplines, Texas State seeks outstanding candidates for a variety of faculty positions.

Quick Link:

https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/52229