Assistant Vice President of Regional Innovation and Partnerships

Assistant Vice President of Regional Innovation and PartnershipsJob ID: 13745Location: El Paso, TXFull/Part Time: Full TimeRegular/Temporary: RegularAbout UTEPThe https://www.utep.edu/ is a public research university located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries meet along the Rio Grande. With an enrollment of approximately 25,000 students, UTEP offers more than 170 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across a broad range of disciplines.UTEP is an open-access Carnegie R1 institution, recognized nationally for its success in expanding access to top-tier education while maintaining a strong research focus. The University also holds the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, highlighting its deep connection to the surrounding community. More than half of UTEP's undergraduate students are the first in their families to attend college.Located in the dynamic El Paso-Juarez metroplex—home to nearly 2.2 million residents and the fourth-largest manufacturing region in North America—UTEP reflects the unique character of the border region and plays a vital role in shaping its future. The University serves as a catalyst for social mobility and economic growth in the region and beyond by developing skilled graduates and driving innovation.This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its https://www.utep.edu/strategic-plan/. Built around the institution's core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University's regional impact and national stature.Position InformationHiring Department: Research AdvancementPosting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekendsFLSA status: ExemptEarliest Start Date: 09/01/2025Salary: Commensurate with experience.Required Application Materials:• Resume• Cover Letter• List of three referencesThe primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents' performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents' immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver's license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.Purpose of PositionSummary: The Assistant Vice President for Regional Innovation and Partnerships will lead strategic efforts to position UTEP as a hub for cross-sector research collaboration, innovation, and ecosystem stewardship within the Borderplex and across the state of Texas. Working with the Research Development unit of Research & Innovation, this role advances institutional alignment with regional and state priorities, coordinates applied research initiatives and cultivates relationships that drive economic and social impact. The AVP will not only serve as a liaison but also as a catalyst, bridging research, policy, and state and regional entities through sustained partnerships that bring real-world challenges into the research enterprise and translate university capabilities into regional solutions.This position requires navigating internal University systems while leading engagement with external partners. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to align institutional research strengths with regional needs. The AVP for Regional Innovation and Partnerships will serve as a liaison to facilitate communication, coordinate research initiatives, and advocate for funding opportunities that align with the region's and state's priorities. The AVP for Regional Innovation and Partnerships will also play a central role in amplifying the broader impacts of UTEP's research by ensuring that partnerships translate into measurable public benefit, community advancement, and scalable solutions rooted in regional relevance.Essential FunctionsLead efforts to align UTEP's research and public engagement with regional and state priorities, advancing UTEP's mission as a Carnegie R1 research institution and a driver of economic and social development along the US-Mexico border and through Texas.Foster research collaborations with local, state agencies, Chihuahua universities, non-profits, industry partners, and other institutions, and will work to increase external research funding that addresses critical challenges facing the Paso del Norte region and the states of Texas and Chihuahua.Examine external stakeholder experience and make recommendations on how the university can actively encourage partners to proactively bring research problems to the university.Manage diverse stakeholder meetings, such as committees and task forces, to develop strategies and execute projectsAssemble a Regional Competitiveness Council to identify regional strengths, needs, research opportunities, and develop an overall regional innovation agenda. The council, at the core of which UTEP will be located, will include representatives from the city, county, school districts, small businesses, healthcare providers, the manufacturing industry, national defense, homeland security, and other relevant entities.Identify emerging research trends, technology needs, and funding opportunities to address regional and national challenges and opportunities.Develop and implement short and long-term strategic plans to align the University's research capabilities with the priorities of the region.Serve as the point of contact for faculty members seeking to engage in research and innovation collaborations with regional partners.Facilitate meetings, forums, and networking events to foster collaboration, identify common interests, and promote partnership opportunities.Build and maintain strong relationships between UTEP faculty and relevant stakeholders,Act as a trusted advisor and advocate for collaboration, representing the interests of the research community that are aligned with regional interests and strengths.Provide guidance on proposal requirements, funding mechanisms, and strategies for effectively communicating the relevance and potential impact of research projects.Prepare briefing materials, reports, and presentations that summarize research initiatives, outcomes, and impact for both internal and external stakeholders.Coordinate resources, expertise, and infrastructure to support collaborative research projects between the University and regional entities.Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.Complies with all State and University policies.Other duties may be assigned.QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.Required Qualifications:Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, with preference to those with a business or public policy background.andExperience: A minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience working with regional and state-level partners and government agencies.Preferred Qualifications:Master's DegreeStrong understanding of regional and state needs, research priorities, and contracting processesDemonstrated experience working with regional and state-level partners and government agencies.Demonstrated experience managing committees that led to tangible outcomes.Demonstrated experience building and improving processes and/or systems.Proven record of supporting or leading externally funded research initiatives.Knowledge of congressional delegations, particularly in areas related to energy, national security, defense, environment, and research funding.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, faculty, and industry partners.Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate complex technical information and policy issues clearly and persuasively.Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and develop strategic solutions.Organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Ability to handle sensitive information with absolute discretion.Additional InformationThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly be able to lift and move up to 10 lbs.The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at mailto:titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at mailto:eoaa@utep.edu.To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6395674jeid-d794a3a1636b0f46952516b2c155603f