Vice President for Research and Innovation and Dean of Graduate Studies

Job Summary

San José State University (SJSU) seeks an accomplished, visionary leader to serve as Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI) and Dean of Graduate Studies. This cabinet-level executive role provides strategic leadership for the university’s research enterprise, graduate education, and industry partnerships, advancing SJSU’s R2 research profile and strengthening its impact in Silicon Valley and beyond. The VPRI reports dually to the President (as Vice President for Research and Innovation) and the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (as Dean of Graduate Studies).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for SJSU’s research enterprise and graduate education strategy
• Expand extramural funding from federal agencies, industry partners, and private foundations
• Oversee research infrastructure, compliance, and ethical standards
• Serve as executive oversight for the SJSU Research Foundation (CSU auxiliary)
• Lead public-private partnerships and academic-industry collaborations
• Advance graduate enrollment, retention, and student success initiatives
• Supervise and develop senior leaders and professional staff across research and graduate studies
• Represent SJSU in CSU system wide initiatives and with external stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Executive strategic leadership experience and expertise in higher education administration. Extensive knowledge of research administration, compliance, and intellectual property management
• Knowledge and expertise with post-baccalaureate education, graduate student support models, and academic policy
• Open-minded and creative problem-solver.
• Ability to encourage interdisciplinary approaches and “out-of-the-box” thinking in research and education
• Strong communication, strategic planning, and analytical skills
• Ability to build productive, long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience developing relationships with University Advancement to support fundraising, partnerships and industry engagement
• Demonstrated capacity to develop industry engagement, innovation, team leadership, and operational excellence
• Ability to develop and scale academic-industry collaborations, commercialization pathways, and joint research ventures
• Integrity, ethical leadership, and strong commitment to student opportunity and academic excellence

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree and a record of scholarly or professional achievement that may warrant a tenured appointment.
• Experience in research administration and external funding development
• Demonstrated leadership in graduate education, including program development and student success initiatives
• Strong track record of developing partnerships with industry and public agencies

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate or terminal degree and a record of scholarly or professional achievement that may warrant a tenured appointment
• Prior experience as a Vice President, Dean, or senior leader overseeing research or graduate studies
• Leadership experience in complex academic or industry organizations
• Familiarity with collective bargaining environments and accreditation processes

Compensation

Classification: Administrator IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $25,026/month - $26,516/month
CSU Salary Range: $10,106/month - $32,441/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: February 9, 2026 through February 23, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu .

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: Feb 09 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• Cal State University (CSU) San Jose

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