Executive AVP, Research & Innovation Strategy

Texas Southern University; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Southern University is seeking an experienced Senior AVP for Research and Innovation to guide the university’s research strategy, expand extramural funding, and advance interdisciplinary, high-impact scholarship. The role leads research development, sponsored programs, and infrastructure while collaborating with deans, centers, and external partners.

The SAVP-RI will drive organizational excellence, ensure compliance, and promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships to achieve

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in research development, innovation, or a related field.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, research centers, or complex initiatives.
• Experience securing or supporting significant external research funding.
• Experience with federal and non-federal sponsored research processes and regulations.
• Ability to build relationships with faculty, funding agencies, industry, foundations, government, and external partners.
• Strong written, oral, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for strategic research initiatives and university-wide research programs.
• Develop and implement the university’s comprehensive research and innovation strategy.
• Cultivate relationships with funding partners and manage external funding.
• Lead strategies to strengthen faculty competitiveness for external funding.
• Oversee research administration systems, policies, and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance and integrity in research.
• Advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.
• Oversee centers, institutes, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage budgets and allocate resources.
• Lead and develop assigned staff.
• Act as acting or interim leader when designated.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic vision

Research development

Sponsored programs

Budget management

Team leadership

Change management

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Doctorate or terminal degree

Job description

Texas Southern University is seeking an experienced Senior AVP for Research and Innovation to guide the university’s research strategy, expand extramural funding, and advance interdisciplinary, high-impact scholarship. The role leads research development, sponsored programs, and infrastructure while collaborating with deans, centers, and external partners.

The SAVP-RI will drive organizational excellence, ensure compliance, and promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships to achieve