Executive Director, Institute Society, Culture, and Environment

This position is limited to the faculty at Virginia Tech. The successful candidate must have a doctoral degree in their discipline and be actively engaged in social science research, with a record of recognized achievement in research, scholarly and educational pursuits, and service meriting appointment at the rank of Professor at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech is seeking a strategic and effective leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment (ISCE). ISCE is one of Virginia Tech’s four research investment institutes, championing the role of social sciences and humanities in society. The Executive Director will shape the Institute’s strategic direction, establish priorities, and collaborate across the university to advance Virginia Tech’s national and international reputation as a leader in innovative, solution‑oriented social science research and humanities scholarship.

The role reports to the Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation and will work closely with other institute directors and senior university leaders.

• Advance Virginia Tech’s national and international reputation in the social sciences and humanities research through faculty investment, mentoring, and promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Develop a vision for supporting cutting‑edge research that addresses complex societal challenges through high‑impact research and scholarship.
• Align research investments with funding opportunities and forge strategic partnerships with governmental agencies, industry, and other stakeholders to drive the institute’s research agenda.
• Promote interdisciplinary linkages within the University.
• Manage Institute operations, including supervising and mentoring staff and maintaining fiscal accountability through effective budget planning.
• Provide interdisciplinary leadership and advocacy for faculty engagement and development, including support for promotion and tenure.
• Facilitate opportunities for faculty research and scholarship through internal funding opportunities, technical assistance, mentoring, and proposal development programs.
• Build and sustain relationships with key external stakeholders, including alumni, donors, advisory board members, and corporate and governmental partners.
• Support fundraising, advancement, and visibility of Virginia Tech through strategic external engagement and communication efforts.
• Provide ongoing mentorship, professional development, and leadership support to direct reports to foster a collaborative, high‑performing team culture.

• Doctoral degree in their discipline and active engagement in social science research, with a record of recognized achievement in research, scholarly and educational pursuits, and service meriting appointment at the rank of Professor at Virginia Tech.
• Visionary, inspirational, and strategic leadership with knowledge and experience leading research organizations such as academic institutions, research institutes, or centers.
• Significant research record and reputation that includes strong external funding support and evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Extensive knowledge, expertise, and vision for the connection of social science across disciplines and the application of those research outcomes in external settings.
• Experience building and championing the work of others, especially in a research setting.
• Proven ability to work across organizational boundaries with a variety of stakeholders to build and maintain relationships.
• High level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven track record in management and budgetary responsibility.
• Demonstrated clear communication and negotiation skills.
• Appreciation for, and experience in faculty mentoring, particularly supporting faculty in engaging in sponsored research.
• Experience managing research resources, including seed funding, advocacy, and faculty support.
• Respect for shared governance and experience advocating for faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated leadership and development of direct reports, and personnel management.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Lynn Byrd at byrd during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.