Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development

Working Title: Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development

Classification Title: Administrator III

Posting Details

Priority Application Deadline (Posting will remain open until filled): Sunday, March 29, 2026 @ 11:55pm PST

Position Summary

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development provides vision and leadership for increasing campus activities in sponsored research, grants and contracts as well as innovation and economic development activities. The AVP's leadership and management responsibility includes fostering an inclusive and supporting environment for faculty, staff, and students of diverse backgrounds. The position reports directly to the Provost and Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs and has a defined partnership with University Enterprises, Inc. for post awards activities.

The University has four strategic priorities, including:

• Helping students receive a "return on investment" by providing them with an education that impacts their lives;
• Achieving financial independence from state downturns;
• Making the University a national brand; and
• Creating an environment of hope and dignity for students, faculty and staff.

FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $15,000 per month - $18,270 per month; commensurate with the candidate''''s education, experience, skills, and training.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 per month - $22,119 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range:  1

Recruitment Type: Regular (At-will)

Time Base: Full-Time

Work Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Work hours may include evening and weekends, dependent on department needs. Position works on-site.

Department Information

Welcome to the Offices of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED), a unit of Academic Affairs. We work to expand the research capacity of Sacramento State faculty, staff, and students, and to link a range of academic and infrastructure initiatives that advance our faculty and campus connections to the regional community. ORIED staff provide comprehensive services and manage support programs to advance new research and scholarship at our institution. The Student Research Center offers a range of research services to students and coordinates events to showcase students'''' research, scholarship, and creative activities. https://www.csus.edu/experience/innovation-creativity/oried/

Required Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Broad-based experience with federal, state, and local research, grants and contracts, preferably in a University setting;
• Demonstrated experience obtaining funding for research activities and infrastructure development;
• A record of administrative achievement in developing and managing personnel and budget;
• An earned doctorate degree from an accredited university.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Established relationships with program officers and administrators of major national and regional funding agencies;
• Experience working with diverse faculty, staff and student populations and implementing practices to ensure an inclusive environment;
• Knowledge of the complexities of grant and contract development and management;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, staff and faculty;
• Knowledge of grant development including those specific to a broad range of the various state agencies, California State University system or other public/private university systems, and various academic disciplines;
• Knowledge of budget development and management;
• Effective leadership, management, organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to complete the pass background check process.

Preferred Qualifications

• A proven record of successful leadership with a bold vision for research, innovation and economic development at a university setting;
• Passionate about promoting faculty/student research and creative activities;
• Experience serving on national grant review panels or study sessions;
• A proven record of working with faculty, staff and state agencies in securing and managing grants and contracts;
• Demonstrated experience in promoting diversity and inclusion within research, innovation, and economic development initiatives;
• Evidence of cultural competence and experience working effectively with individuals from different cultural backgrounds;
• A proven record of effective technology transfer, innovation and translational research to stimulate the regional economy;
• Experience in research training for faculty and students at a university setting;
• Management of Centers and Institutes;
• Eligibility for a senior faculty appointment.

Documents Needed to Apply (2)

• Resume (CV)
• Cover Letter

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.

Applicants will respond to the following supplemental question:

• Describe your experience supporting research development, management of centers and institutes, and/or external funding. How have you ensured fair and inclusive practices when working with faculty, staff, students, or community partners from varied backgrounds? Include specific strategies you have used to promote equitable access to funding opportunities and research support services.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is a Black-Serving Institution. The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

"As California's capital university, Sacramento State transforms lives by preparing all students to lead, serve, and succeed. We are committed to our designations as a Hispanic Serving Institution, an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, and a Black Serving Institution, and to intentionally serving students reflective of these designations and all students who have been historically underserved in education."

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/support/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery .

The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at clery@csus.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.

Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.