Associate Vice President for Research Development
Location
JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202400330
College/Division
Research and Federal Relations
Opening Date
05/04/2026
Description
The Division of Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University is accepting applications for the Associate Vice President for Research Development position. The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Research Development is a senior leader within the Division of Research and Economic Development, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the institutions research enterprise. This role focuses on growing the universitys capacity to secure external funding, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting the development of major research centers, and establishing strong partnerships with federal agencies, foundations, and industry stakeholders. The AVP plays a critical role in enabling faculty success, building sustainable research infrastructure, and advancing the universitys mission of research excellence, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Examples of Duties
Strategic Research Development and Institutional Capacity Building
Lead the strategic direction and implementation of research development initiatives across the university.
Identify, assess, and disseminate funding opportunities aligned with institutional strengths and emerging research priorities.
Facilitate the development of competitive, large-scale, multi-investigator proposals (e.g., UARCs, Centers of Excellence, NIH/NSF Centers).
Advance interdisciplinary research by fostering collaborations across colleges, departments, and external entities.
Oversee programs that enhance faculty research engagement, mentoring, and readiness for largescale grants and contracts.
Proposal Development and Funding Strategy
Direct the design and execution of institutional strategies for securing external research funding.
Provide executive-level oversight for proposal planning and team formation for complex, high-priority submissions.
Guide faculty in aligning proposals with sponsor priorities and institutional goals.
Organize faculty development workshops, proposal writing bootcamps, and early career investigator support.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, industry, and community partners.
Lead efforts to bring program officers and decision-makers to campus for engagement with researchers.
Promote the universitys research strengths at external conferences, federal briefings, and strategic convenings.
Metrics, Operations, and Continuous Improvement
Develop and track research development metrics to evaluate effectiveness and drive data-informed decisions.
Collaborate with academic deans, Institutional Advancement and Academic Affairs to align research development activities.
Manage staff and resources dedicated to research development and proposal support.
Monitor trends in federal funding and research policy to inform institutional strategy.
Research Excellence and Visibility
Contribute to initiatives that position the university as a leader in research innovation and economic development.
Promote the visibility of faculty research and institutional accomplishments through strategic communications.
Support the development and recognition of major research centers and university-wide initiatives.
Typical Qualifications
Masters degree in a research-related field such as STEM, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or public health (Ph.D. or terminal degree strongly preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research development, research strategy, or research administration in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
Proven track record of leading successful large-scale, multi-institutional grant proposal efforts.
Demonstrated experience building interdisciplinary teams and forming external partnerships.
Deep understanding of federal funding mechanisms (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE) and sponsor requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Skills and Competencies
Strategic thinker and collaborative leader.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
Commitment to research capacity-building.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page.
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
02
Can you, if hired, provide proof of education?
03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
Required Question
Employer Jackson State University (MS)
Address 1400 John R. Lynch Street
P.O. Box 17028
Jackson, Mississippi, 39217
Phone (601) 979-2015