Director of Statewide Campuses Research Advancement

Washington State University; Pullman (WA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington State University seeks a Director of Statewide Campuses Research Advancement to harmonize research activities across Everett, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses. The role leads strategy, compliance, and engagement to build a cohesive statewide research ecosystem and expand interdisciplinary initiatives.

The position requires travel throughout the state and a strong background in research development, funding landscapes, and multi-institution collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, including at least three (3) years of managerial experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of required experience.
• Experience in complex multi-unit or multi-campus environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide research strategy integration across campuses.
• Foster cross-campus collaboration and initiative development.
• Build research capacity across campuses and engage stakeholders.
• Coordinate communication, alignment, and reporting systems.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and strategic oversight for research advancement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Travel readiness

Cross-campus collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:October 13, 2026If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.Available Title(s):1155-NN_ADMINPRO - DirectorBusiness Title:Director of Statewide Campuses Research AdvancementEmployee Type:Admin. ProfessionalPosition Details:The Opportunity:The Office of Research at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation.The Director of Statewide Campuses Research Advancement plays a central role in implementing and advancing Washington State University’s (WSU) research strategy across all statewide campuses. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Advancement & Strategy and serving as a liaison to statewide campus leadership with a dotted line to the EVP for Statewide Campuses. This position is responsible for leading efforts to harmonize research activities and needs across WSU’s statewide campuses in Everett, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver—ensuring that distinctive campus strengths are preserved while being strategically connected to build a more coordinated, competitive, vibrant and visible research ecosystem.This role facilitates alignment of research strategies, infrastructure, compliance and faculty engagement across campuses to support major interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives, strategic events, institutional research goals, and innovation and entrepreneurship programs in priority areas such as energy and environment, biofuels, sustainable aviation, agriculture, health, and emerging technologies.The Director serves as a primary connector between campuses, the Office of Research, and other institutional partners including External Affairs and Government Relations to expand participation in large-scale proposals, enhance research competitiveness, and amplify WSU’s statewide impact through a cohesive statewide research ecosystem consistent with the Office of Research mission to advance research from development through partnerships and impact, this role emphasizes system integration, place-based strengths, and collaborative growth across Washington.This role will require extensive in-state travel, including between WSU Campuses.Job Functions:25% Statewide Research Strategy Integration25% Cross-Campus Collaboration and Initiative Development20% Research Capacity Building Across Campuses10% Communication, Coordination, and Systems Alignment10% Strategic Planning, Evaluation, and Reporting5% Leadership and Supervision5% OtherAdditional Information:This is a full-time (100 % FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.Monthly Salary:$10,552.90 - $16,500.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualificationsIn accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.Benefits:WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .Required Qualifications:Position require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.Demonstrated experience working in complex, multi-unit or multi-campus environments.Experience supporting interdisciplinary and multi-institutional research initiatives.Strong knowledge of federal, state, and foundation funding and compliance landscapes.Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.Must be able to travel extensively throughout the state.Preferred Qualifications:Master’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience, including at least three (3) years of managerial experience (or equivalent combination of education/experience).Minimum of 7 years of experience in research development, research administration, or related field.Experience at a land-grant or Research 1 university with a distributed campus system.Experience advancing research in priority domains such as energy, environment, agriculture, or advanced technologies.Demonstrated success facilitating cross-unit collaboration and organizational alignment.Experience designing and leading strategic initiatives across geographically distributed teams.Position Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for work visa sponsorshipAbout Department/College/Area/ Campus -For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Washington State University | Office of Research .Area/College:Office of ResearchDepartment Name:Advancement and Partnerships teamLocation:Pullman, WA 99164-1060Application Instructions:Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.1) Resume2) Cover Letter responding to position descriptionExternal candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.Background Check:This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.Time Type:Full timePosition Term:12 MonthWashington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail] .Notice of Non-DiscriminationIn matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/