Director, Research IT

Texas State University; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous time off

Tuition benefits

Retirement security

Job summary

Texas State University is seeking a Director of Research IT to provide strategic leadership for the university’s research technology ecosystem. The role involves governance over enterprise electronic research administration systems and collaboration with university leadership to align research technology with institutional priorities.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree and at least seven years of relevant experience in leading research technology initiatives, overseeing analytics, and fostering innovation in research technologies.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in research technology operations.
• Experience leading enterprise research technology operations.
• Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for enterprise research systems.
• Oversee research analytics and reporting environments.
• Supervise Research IT personnel and multidisciplinary technical teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Technology Initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Master’s degree in computer science or related discipline

Tools

Enterprise research platforms (Kuali, Cayuse, Huron, InfoEd)

Cloud Services

AI-enabled technologies

Job description

Director, Research IT

Location: San Marcos
Department: Research IT

Job Description

The Director of Research IT provides strategic leadership, governance, and operational oversight for the university’s research technology ecosystem, including enterprise electronic research administration (eRA) systems, research analytics, AI-enabled services, research data environments, web platforms, and research technology operations. The Director leads institutional efforts to modernize research technologies, improve research administration systems, strengthen research security and compliance, and expand analytics, automation, AI, and digital transformation capabilities. The position collaborates with university leadership, faculty, research administration, compliance offices, central IT, and external partners to align research technology investments with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements. This role serves as Divisional leadership for research technology strategy, planning, governance, and innovation.

Job Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for enterprise eRA systems supporting proposal development, compliance, award management, reporting, and research administration operations.
• Help direct research enterprise technology strategy and policy, modernization initiatives, system integrations, and digital transformation efforts.
• Oversee research analytics, dashboards, reporting environments, research intelligence tools, and data-driven decision-support services.
• Establish governance, security, compliance, and operational standards for research technologies, research data, and regulated environments.
• Lead development and adoption of AI-enabled services and tools, automation initiatives, advanced analytics capabilities, and emerging research technologies.
• Oversee and help train the research community on research computing resources, enterprise software, collaboration platforms, web systems, and technology infrastructure.
• Help manage budgets, contracts, software licensing, procurement activities, vendor relationships, and technology investments.
• Supervise Research IT personnel and provide leadership for multidisciplinary technical teams and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Partner with university leadership, faculty, administrators, compliance offices, sponsors, and external organizations to advance institutional research priorities and advise the research community on best practices and software.
• Develop and monitor strategic plans, assessments, performance metrics, executive reports, and recommendations regarding research technology operations, risks, and future investments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and seven years of progressively responsible experience.
• Experience leading enterprise research technology operations, research administration systems, or large-scale institutional technology initiatives.
• Experience administering or overseeing eRA systems such as Kuali, Cayuse, Huron, InfoEd, or similar enterprise research platforms.
• Experience leading technology initiatives involving systems integration, cloud services, analytics, enterprise software, research computing, AI‑enabled technologies, or data infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in strategic planning, personnel supervision, budgeting, project management, stakeholder engagement, multidisciplinary teams, and organizational change.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, faculty, researchers, staff, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting federally funded research environments and sponsor systems such as Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, or DOE platforms.
• Experience implementing research data governance, research security, compliance, or regulated research programs.
• Experience with cloud computing, advanced analytics, high-performance computing, AI-enabled research services, or enterprise data environments.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity and compliance frameworks including NIST 800-171, HIPAA, FERPA, or similar standards.

Benefits

• Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work‑life balance.
• Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family‑friendly resources to support your personal well‑being.
• Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.
• Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks.
• Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.
• Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html

Legal and Required 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. In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.