Description The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing is seeking experienced mid-career or senior faculty to take on the role of Director for the (endowed) St. David’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research in Underserved Populations (CHPR). Qualified applicants are those whose education, perspectives, and experience will enable them to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the center's mission of promoting the health of underserved populations through health promotion research. This role involves overseeing continued program success, fostering collaborative partnerships, and ensuring that the center appropriately executes its core mission. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration abound at this public research university with over 3,500 externally sponsored projects, 150 dedicated research units and centers, and annual research funding exceeding $500 million. The School of Nursing offers BSN, MSN, PhD, and DNP degrees in nursing. Additionally, the School has an alternate entry MSN for persons with baccalaureate degrees outside of nursing, and an accelerated BSN to PhD option. The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing continues to be a leader in nursing education, climbing in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025. The has been ranked #12 overall, reflecting the program’s dedication to excellence in nursing education, research and clinical practice. This is for a full-time tenured faculty position. Faculty appointment will be at a rank consistent with qualifications and experience. Responsibilities include: Provide strong leadership in the Center’s mission of improving the health of underserved populations through health promotion research.

Oversee daily operations, including budget, staffing, and resource allocation.

Ensure the integration of evidence-based practices into all programs and initiatives.

Manage the center’s pilot grant program to include the call for applications, reviews, selection, funding, and monitoring progress on projects.

Plan and execute the St. David’s CHPR annual conference to include recruiting keynote speakers, securing location, podium presentations, panels and poster sessions.

Organize and coordinate the center’s annual colloquia series with representative experts.

Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, and professional networks.

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with academic, healthcare, and community organizations.

Engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies and practices that impact the care of underserved populations.

Represent the center at local, national, and international forums and conferences.

Recruit, mentor, and support faculty whose professional endeavors align with CHPR.

Provide opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and excellence.

Promote student involvement in health promotion initiatives and research projects.

Ensure a supportive learning environment that addresses the unique needs of students.

Implement continuous quality improvement processes to enhance program outcomes.

Utilize data and feedback to drive decision-making and program enhancements.

Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, DNP, EdD) in nursing or a related field with a focus on public health or health promotion and a strong background in applied externally-funded research. Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in leadership roles, applied research, mentoring faculty and students and guiding research projects. Strong leadership and organizational abilities. Excellent communication skills. Proven track record in securing research funding and managing grants. Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships. Preferred Qualifications

Current licensure as a professional registered nurse (RN). Experience in academic leadership at a school of nursing. Success obtaining NIH funding to support related research and publications.