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Illinois State University, a nationally ranked public R2 institution committed to teaching, scholarship, civic engagement, and inclusive excellence, invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Vice President for Research (AVPR).
Reporting directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the AVPR provides strategic leadership for the University’s research enterprise, cultivating an environment where scholarly inquiry and creative scholarship thrive and where discovery enhances the public good. The next associate vice president for Research will join Illinois State University at a pivotal time—when research, innovation, and creativity are increasingly central to defining the institution’s future.
Guided by the University’s strategic plan, Excellence by Design, the AVPR will help shape a research enterprise that is collaborative in spirit, bold in ambition, and deeply connected to the people and communities it serves. This is an opportunity to lead within a university that values both excellence and belonging, where faculty and students alike are empowered to pursue discovery in ways that transform lives and strengthen society.
The successful candidate will bring the agility and foresight needed to lead during a period of institutional transformation, including the ability to adapt to potential changes in portfolio and responsibilities. The AVPR will be a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who can manage competing priorities effectively while fostering strong partnerships across the Division of Academic Affairs and the broader campus community.
An effective AVPR will demonstrate the collegiality, judgment, and professionalism expected of a senior academic administrator, along with a deep understanding of the rapidly evolving higher education and research landscape. Through strategic leadership and a commitment to collaboration, the AVPR will play a key role in advancing Illinois State University’s research mission and contributing to the institution’s long-term success.
Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Illinois State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed to Julie Schrodt and/or Jeremy Duff from Greenwood Asher & Associates.
We encourage applications from individuals with a broad range of research and scholarly leadership experience, including program officers from federal agencies and professionals from research organizations whose expertise can strengthen our external funding strategy and institutional research profile.
Application materials should include the following:
Candidates should also provide the names and contact information for three references. References will not be contacted without the prior knowledge of and approval from the candidates.
To apply, please click the following link:
https://jobsearch.illinoisstate.edu/cw/en-us/job/521076/associate-vice-president-for-research
We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will
begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.
For best consideration, applications and nominations should be provided by January 21, 2026.
Please direct inquiries and nominations to:
Jeremy Duff
Vice President of Executive Search
jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com
Julie Schrodt
Senior Executive Search Consultant
julieschrodt@greenwoodsearch.com