Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs (Chief Research Officer)

Serves as the university’s Chief Research Officer and provides leadership for institutional research planning, coordination, and performance. This includes establishing high-impact research priorities, growth strategies, and measurable outcomes that advance the university’s research mission. Will oversee the strategic alignment of fiscal resources that support the sponsored research enterprise, including start-up funding, seed grants, and other internal funding mechanisms. The Vice President develops, implements, and maintains the university’s research policy portfolio (including IRB, IACUC, export controls, research integrity, and research security) and certifies institutional compliance with all regulatory, ethical, and sponsor requirements. Fosters continuous improvement of research administration, systems, and infrastructure. Leads efforts to expand externally funded research through interdisciplinary collaboration, strategic partnerships, and advocacy at the state and federal levels. This includes close coordination with the Texas State University System (TSUS) Office of Governmental Relations and TSUS approved partners to elevate awareness of the university’s research strengths through engagement with Congress and federal agencies. Provides strategic oversight and coordination for the university’s research centers and institutes engaged in research, training, and public service, particularly in areas of demonstrated and emerging strength such as forensics, cybersecurity, homeland security and resiliency, invasive species, and entrepreneurship. Supports measurable growth in sponsored programs by fostering sponsor engagement, securing external funding, and aligning institutional expertise with priority funding areas across federal agencies, state initiatives, and industry partners. Leads innovation, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts by supporting the protection, development, and translation of intellectual property. Oversees the effective operation and advancement of the university’s vivarium and core laboratory facilities. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Possesses deep knowledge about diverse funding sources; experience fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary research between departments, schools and colleges; strong administrative leadership skills to bolster key infrastructure and enhance research capacity; ability to advance an organization’s research mission; evidence of fostering internal and external collaborative partnerships; experience working with a diverse range of research programs, including those in research centers and institutes and academic programs; strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities as well as excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills; innovative and creative ideas for success in a changing landscape of research funding; interest in mentoring faculty and creating new research opportunities through networking; familiarity with federal grant finance and compliance issues; experience in technology transfer, commercialization, and industry partnerships; experience evaluating research proposals; and the ability to develop and implement strategies to address long-term opportunities. The work involves executive skills requiring the ability to develop, interpret, and apply policy, procedures, and direction to a variety of situations and projects. A high level of independent judgment, resourcefulness, creativeness, and initiative is required. Must have the ability to direct and implement academic initiatives as suggested or approved by the Provost & Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Further details can be found here: https://anthemexecutive.com/vice-president-for-research-and-sponsored-programs-sam-houston-state-university/

How to Apply

The position is open until it is filled, but applications received by Tuesday, April 10, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications should include: 1) a detailed letter of interest; 2) a current curriculum vitae (CV); and 3) a list of five professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from the candidate. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be sent in confidence to: VPRSHSU@anthemexecutive.com

Sam Houston State University is being assisted by Anthem Executive. Confidential discussions may be arranged by contacting Michael Ballew, Scott Watson, JR Wheless, or Florene Stawowy: VPRSHSU@anthemexecutive.com