Director of Research

Job Posting Title:

Director of Research

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Hiring Department:

School of Civic Leadership

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

General Notes

Established in 2023 as UT Austin’s newest college, the School of Civic Leadership is a community of scholars and students dedicated to studying the foundational ideas and institutions of a free society, with the goal of advancing human flourishing. We value independent thought, civil discourse, reasoned deliberation, and intellectual curiosity as we prepare to meet the challenges of the present and sustain the blessings of liberty for future generations.

SCL is home to the Civitas Institute, a national and international hub for excellence in scholarship, commentary and public outreach on economic dynamism, individual flourishing, civic virtue, and constitutionalism. Upholding the University’s motto—Disciplina Praesidium Civitatis, “Education is the guardian genius of democracy”—we advance The University of Texas at Austin’s mission to achieve excellence in education, research, and public service.

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including: 

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%) 
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options 
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays 
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan) 
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b) 
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses 
• Training and conference opportunities 
• Tuition assistance 
• Athletic ticket discounts 
• Access to UT Austin's libraries and museums 
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Capital Metro buses with staff ID card 

For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards 

Purpose

The Director of Research will work closely with the Executive Director of the Civitas Institute to lead strategic research initiatives and support fundraising efforts. This includes strategic planning and execution of the Institute’s research publications, academic convening, and cross-platform content. This role will identify, recruit, and collaborate with top scholars to produce original work including papers, podcasts, and videos—and engage them in Institute events. In addition, the Director will provide intellectual leadership for the Civitas Research Fellows program through original scholarship, active oversight, and in depth feedback.

Responsibilities

• Work with Executive Director to 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 discussi