Vice President Research and Innovation and Dean of Graduate Studies

Job Summary

San Jose 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).

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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 Jose 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.

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.

University Personnel
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San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. This policy applies to all university students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX and other federal and state laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university.

Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.