Economic Development Research Intern Jobs in Texas

The Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) serves as the University’s Chief Research Officer and provides executive leadership for all research and innovation activities. This role is responsible for advancing the institution’s research enterprise and fostering a culture of scholarship and innovation. The VPRI serves as a member of the President’s Executive Team and collaborates with academic, industry, and government partners to expand research capacity, secure external funding, and enhance interdisciplinary initiatives.

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the university’s research, innovation, and economic development enterprise.
• Lead institutional planning efforts for research growth, sponsored programs, and technology transfer.
• Serve as a key advisor to the President on research priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Participate in executive decision‑making regarding university planning, budgeting, and policy development.

Research Administration & Program Oversight

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and administration of all research and economic development initiatives.
• Lead the Division of Research, Innovation & Economic Development, including affiliated research centers and programs.
• Facilitate multidisciplinary research and campus‑wide initiatives.
• Promote faculty and student research at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Sponsored Programs & Funding

• Oversee grant development, submission, and negotiation of contracts for complex research initiatives.
• Ensure effective pre‑award and post‑award administration of sponsored programs.
• Expand external funding through federal, state, industry, and private sources.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system‑level research regulations and policies.
• Oversee research compliance programs including IRB, IACUC, Conflict of Interest, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Export Controls.
• Coordinate with system and governmental entities on research‑related requirements.

Innovation

• Lead initiatives that drive innovation and community engagement at regional and national levels.
• Partner with industry and community stakeholders to align research with workforce and economic needs.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
• Serve as an ambassador for the university’s research mission.
• Collaborate with peer institutions and research leaders to advance shared initiatives.

Required Education & Experience

• Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in research administration and sponsored programs, including:
  • Demonstrated success in securing and managing externally funded research.
  • Experience leading cross‑disciplinary research initiatives.

Required competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Demonstrated strategic and visionary leadership with the ability to execute and drive organizational outcomes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage complex research portfolios, including oversight of budgets, personnel, and operations.
• Strong financial, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to make data‑informed decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to ethical leadership and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of research administration, including compliance, export controls, and environmental health and safety regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and operate effectively in a complex organizational environment.
• Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset with the ability to foster growth, partnerships, and new opportunities.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and advancing student engagement in research at all levels.

• Experience in economic development, particularly rural or regional initiatives.
• Track record in technology transfer and commercialization.
• Experience working in a multi‑campus or system‑based institution.
• Experience transitioning an institution from R2 to R1 status.

• Expansion of externally funded research portfolio
• Growth in interdisciplinary and collaborative research initiatives
• Strengthened institutional reputation in research and innovation

Tarleton State University invites letters of nomination and applications (letter of interest, full resume/CV, and contact information of at least five references) to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and applications be submitted before August 18, 2026. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Contact:

Porsha Williams, Vice President
Jacob Anderson, Senior Principal
Julia Butler‑Mayes, Ph.D., Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 | Atlanta, GA 30328
(678) 775‑4564
pwilliams@parkersearch.com
janderson@parkersearch.com
jbutler-mayes@parkersearch.com

Tarleton State University provides equal opportunity to all employees, students, applicants for employment, and the public regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or veteran status. Tarleton State University will promptly and thoroughly investigate all complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment, and related retaliation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, A&M System Policy 08.01, and Regulation 08.01.01, and university rules and/or procedures.