Director of Research amp; Innovation

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Alignment

Partner with the Executive Director to shape and refine the Institutes research vision and long-term strategy. Collaborate with the Manager of Strategy and Engagement to align research planning, institutional priorities and operational goals. Translate research goals into actionable programs, ensuring cohesion across leadership with broader University initiatives. Support coordination with internal stakeholders.

Research Strategy and Program Oversight

Lead the design, launch, and ongoing evolution of interdisciplinary research funding programs across the university. Develop clear and transparent selection, evaluation, and reporting processes to maintain accountability and impartiality. Identify new funding opportunities and collaborate with faculty and external partners to pursue grants, contracts, and philanthropic support. Champion the development of research projects that produce translational outcomes and public value, in alignment with UTs strategic goals.

Campus-Wide Research Engagement

Cultivate strong relationships with colleges, centers, and researchers across the UT Austin ecosystem. Serve as a champion for cross-disciplinary, problem-focused collaboration. Act as a liaison between the Institute and academic units to align research activities with institutional priorities.

Innovation in Research Delivery and Knowledge Mobilization

Pilot and evaluate innovative approaches to research, such as applied research, community partnerships and open science. Leverage technology and cross-sector partnerships to improve the relevance and reach of research outputs. Monitor trends in translational research, public scholarship, and innovation to inform Institute strategy.

Institutional Development and Sustainability

Contribute to long-term strategy, capacity building, and succession planning for the Institutes research mission. Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure alignment across all research functions. Help development durable partnerships, funding mechanisms, and frameworks that extend the Institutes research impact over time.

Research Communication and Writing

Lead or contribute to the development of high-quality proposals, research reports and white papers. Translate complex research findings into accessible formats for policymakers, funders and the public. Ensure excellence, clarity and consistency in all research communications produced by the Institute.