Chief of Staff to the Senior Executive Vice President Research & Innovation Full Time

The Chief of Staff to the Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) for Research & Innovation (R&I) serves as a trusted advisor, integrator, and execution partner, responsible for translating vision into coordinated institutional action across the research enterprise. Reporting directly to the SEVP-RI, the Chief of Staff owns the executive operating rhythm for R&I (cadence, portfolio, decision tracking) and ensures disciplined follow-through across institutes, partners, and leadership teams.

This role blends strategic partnership with operational leadership – approximately one-third strategic planning and advisory work, complemented by hands-on coordination that ensures ideas become outcomes. The Chief of Staff works side-by-side with the SEVP-R&I to align priorities, synthesize emerging opportunities, and oversee delivery of major initiatives that advance UT San Antonio’s research and innovation agenda.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the SEVP-R&I in developing, prioritizing, and implementing institutional initiatives across research, innovation, and partnerships.
• Maintain situational awareness of emerging national research priorities (NSF, DOE, DoD, NIH, ARPA-H, etc.) and translate them into actionable institutional strategies.
• Coordinate execution of the SEVP-R&I’s strategic agenda across vice presidents, associate vice presidents, institute directors, and external partners.
• Support cross-cutting initiatives-federal engagement, philanthropic development, and large-scale proposals – ensuring alignment with institutional objectives.
• Oversee the daily rhythm of the SEVP-R&I office, ensuring accountability and timely delivery across multiple projects.
• Supervise project managers, communications and marketing, events, federal relations, and administrative teams.
• Establish and manage a single source of truth for R&I initiatives; publish a monthly performance pack with milestones, risks, and decision status.
• Represent the SEVP-RI in meetings and working groups, ensuring institutional follow-through and message coherence.
• Partner with the AVP for Administration & Operations to align workflow, delegation, and portfolio management across the research enterprise.
• Lead regent, board, and legislative brief development in partnership with Government Relations and Communications.
• Support institutional governance and cross-institutional engagement, ensuring accuracy and message consistency.
• Prepare concise, data-driven decision briefs that distill complex issues into clear executive options.
• Set clear goals, feedback cadences, and development plans for supervised teams; coordinate dotted-line contributors.
• Build strong morale and cross-functional collaboration among R&I leadership units.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and respect across the enterprise.
• Periodic travel to Austin, Washington D.C., and institute sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in higher education administration, public policy, business or related filed required.
• Advanced degree (MPA, MBA, PhD, or equivalent) preferred.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and execute large-scale institutional initiatives.
• Proficiency building and operating an executive PMO or “control tower” function; fluency in OKRs/KPIs and portfolio management tools.
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, and operational leadership skills. Advanced communication and presentation abilities; high emotional intelligence and discretion.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage complexity and competing priorities with poise.
• Collaborative leadership style fostering trust, alignment, and shared accountability.

Required Skills

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, research administration, or complex public institutions. Experience with non-health research sectors (e.g., NSF, DOE, DoD, DARPA) required.

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