Director, St. Davids Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research (CHPR) in Underserved Populations

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. Davids 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 centers 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 3500 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 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. TheMaster of Science in Nursing (MSN) program has been ranked #12 overall reflecting the programs 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.

Responsibilitiesinclude:

• Provide strong leadership in the Centers 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 centers pilot grant program to include the call for applications reviews selection funding and monitoring progress on projects.
• Plan and execute the St. Davids CHPR annual conference to include recruiting keynote speakers securing location podium presentations panels and poster sessions.
• Organize and coordinate the centers 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.

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.