The School of Civic Leadership at UT Austin is seeking a Director of Research to lead strategic research initiatives and support fundraising efforts for the Civitas Institute. This role aims to enhance the Institute's intellectual presence and outreach by commissioning original research, fostering a community of scholars, and producing high-impact content.
Requirements
- Advanced degree (Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree strongly preferred) in political science, economics, history, law, public policy, or a related field.
- Demonstrated record of scholarship or intellectual leadership
- Proven ability to recruit, cultivate, and manage academic networks (fellows, affiliates, or similar)
- Collaborative leadership ability, including experience working across teams (events, communications, fundraising) to deliver integrated initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Strategically identify affiliates and fellows.
- Engage with leading scholars, thought leaders, and academics whose expertise aligns with the Civitas Institute’s research priorities, expanding network of research fellows, affiliates, and contributors by way of regularly scheduled calls and meetings.
- Commission original research, scholarly publications, and multimedia content from high-level scholars on core themes such as economic dynamism, constitutionalism, the future of free societies, commerce and civilization, and the American Dream ensuring alignment with the Institute’s strategic objectives.
- Collaborate with the public affairs team to identify and feature scholars across various platforms, including podcasts, videos, and digital content, enhancing the Institute’s intellectual presence and outreach.
- Manage Research Fellow program of 25-50 fellows, Cultivate an intellectual community amongst Civitas fellows through regular convenings, calls, and discussion threads.
- Provide editorial guidance and mentorship to Civitas fellows, act as resource and connect fellows with available editorial and related services.
- Collaborate with School of Civic Leadership faculty, Civitas fellows, and external partners to design and execute high-impact events, ranging from intimate colloquia to large-scale conferences, that align with the Institute’s research priorities.
Other
- Work closely with the Executive Director of the Civitas Institute to lead strategic research initiatives and support fundraising efforts.
- Prepare resume/CV.
- Provide 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
- Submit a letter of interest.
- A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
