What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director- HSRU position at The University of Texas at El Paso?
Position Information
Hiring Department: HSRU
Reports To: Executive Director- HSRU
Job Location: Education Building
Posting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends
FLSA status: Exempt
Earliest Start Date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and education.
Required Application Materials
Position Summary
Directs, coordinates, and implements programs and initiatives within the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). This position exercises functional authority for planning, organization, coordination, and completion of assigned initiatives, with particular emphasis on research-focused, multi-institutional programs supported through external funding. Primary responsibilities include managing the programmatic design, implementation, and oversight of HSRU research initiatives; coordinating competitive calls and selection processes; supporting principal investigators and institutional partners; and ensuring effective collaboration with university research administration offices for compliance, subaward execution, and reporting. The Director plays a central role in maintaining alignment across stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables to support the success of HSRU’s research programs and partnerships. To learn more about our research programs visit https://www.hsru.org/initiatives/ascend-r
Statement Of Duties And Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for the following:
Directing and managing research-focused programs and initiatives administered through HSRU, including multi-institutional and externally funded efforts.
Coordinating the programmatic lifecycle of research initiatives, including planning timelines, preparing calls for participation or proposals, organizing review processes, and supporting selection activities.
Serving as a primary point of coordination for principal investigators (PIs) affiliated with HSRU research initiatives, facilitating communication, alignment, and shared understanding of program expectations.
Overseeing the programmatic management of subawards issued to partner institutions, including coordination with UTEP’s Office of Research and other administrative units responsible for transactional and compliance functions.
Monitoring progress, milestones, and reporting requirements for participating institutions and research teams to ensure alignment with program goals and sponsor expectations.
Preparing and maintaining program documentation, guidelines, workflows, and communication materials in support of research initiatives.
Convening meetings, coordinating advisory input, and synthesizing feedback from faculty, administrators, and institutional partners.
Supporting data collection and preparation of status updates, summaries, and narrative reports related to research program activities and outcomes.
Contributes to the strategic development and coordination of research partnerships and collaborations across HSRU member institutions and external stakeholders.
Coordinates across internal HSRU staff and project teams to support integrated implementation of research initiatives.
Serves as a liaison between HSRU, participating institutions, and other internal or external stakeholders.
Participates in committees, professional development activities, and convenings relevant to research administration, higher education, and institutional collaboration.
May exercise limited supervisory responsibilities, including oversight of one or more staff or project personnel, in accordance with organizational needs and University policies.
Demonstrates an understanding of federal, state, and institutional research regulations, sponsor guidelines, and Uniform Guidance requirements across all program activities.
Provides strategic oversight of program budgets, including monitoring financial performance, cost-sharing commitments, and alignment with sponsor-approved scopes of work.
Applies knowledge of risk management practices to support audit readiness for multi-institutional research initiatives.
Applies foundational understanding of technical research domains to support program coordination, stakeholder communication, and effective implementation of research initiatives.
Other standard general duties of directors, adapted for HSRU program duties:
Develops short- and long-range plans, implementation strategies, and resource requirements for assigned program areas.
Coordinates activities to support operational efficiency, consistency, and effective use of shared infrastructure.
Understands the department’s role in accomplishing the University’s mission and advancing externally funded initiatives.
Maintains knowledge of institutional policies and procedures relevant to program administration.
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
Complies with all State and University policies.
Other duties may be assigned.
To be successful in this position the candidate should have strengths in the following areas:
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s Degree
and
Experience: Five years of related experience and/or training relevant to strategic program administration, multi-institutional research coordination, or academic and research operations within higher education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Occasional traveling required.
Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral Degree
Why Pick UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP ) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.
UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan . Built around the institution’s core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University’s regional impact and national stature.
learn more about our research programs visit
Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities
The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) is a voluntary association of 25 Research 1 universities that rank among the top five percent of institutions in the United States for research activity, as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Established in 2022, the Alliance brings together peer, mission-driven institutions that collaborate to strengthen graduate pathways, advance the research enterprise, and contribute to national scientific and technical priorities.
HSRU operates as a multi-institutional network, coordinating shared programs and initiatives that no single institution could advance alone. Through collective design, aligned implementation, and cross-campus collaboration, the Alliance develops research-focused initiatives that support faculty leadership, graduate education, and externally funded research partnerships. These initiatives are intentionally structured to leverage institutional strengths, align stakeholders, and scale impact across the network—requiring dedicated program leadership to manage coordination, implementation, and oversight in service of the Alliance’s broader mission. Visit our website for more details: https://www.hsru.org/
Additional Information
Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 10pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.
In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu .
Hiring Department: HSRU
Reports To: Executive Director- HSRU
Job Location: Education Building
Posting End Date: Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Hours: 40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends
FLSA status: Exempt
Earliest Start Date: As soon as possible.
Salary: Commensurate with experience and education.
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- List of three references
Position Summary
Directs, coordinates, and implements programs and initiatives within the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). This position exercises functional authority for planning, organization, coordination, and completion of assigned initiatives, with particular emphasis on research-focused, multi-institutional programs supported through external funding. Primary responsibilities include managing the programmatic design, implementation, and oversight of HSRU research initiatives; coordinating competitive calls and selection processes; supporting principal investigators and institutional partners; and ensuring effective collaboration with university research administration offices for compliance, subaward execution, and reporting. The Director plays a central role in maintaining alignment across stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables to support the success of HSRU’s research programs and partnerships. To learn more about our research programs visit https://www.hsru.org/initiatives/ascend-r
Statement Of Duties And Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for the following:
Directing and managing research-focused programs and initiatives administered through HSRU, including multi-institutional and externally funded efforts.
Coordinating the programmatic lifecycle of research initiatives, including planning timelines, preparing calls for participation or proposals, organizing review processes, and supporting selection activities.
Serving as a primary point of coordination for principal investigators (PIs) affiliated with HSRU research initiatives, facilitating communication, alignment, and shared understanding of program expectations.
Overseeing the programmatic management of subawards issued to partner institutions, including coordination with UTEP’s Office of Research and other administrative units responsible for transactional and compliance functions.
Monitoring progress, milestones, and reporting requirements for participating institutions and research teams to ensure alignment with program goals and sponsor expectations.
Preparing and maintaining program documentation, guidelines, workflows, and communication materials in support of research initiatives.
Convening meetings, coordinating advisory input, and synthesizing feedback from faculty, administrators, and institutional partners.
Supporting data collection and preparation of status updates, summaries, and narrative reports related to research program activities and outcomes.
Contributes to the strategic development and coordination of research partnerships and collaborations across HSRU member institutions and external stakeholders.
Coordinates across internal HSRU staff and project teams to support integrated implementation of research initiatives.
Serves as a liaison between HSRU, participating institutions, and other internal or external stakeholders.
Participates in committees, professional development activities, and convenings relevant to research administration, higher education, and institutional collaboration.
May exercise limited supervisory responsibilities, including oversight of one or more staff or project personnel, in accordance with organizational needs and University policies.
Demonstrates an understanding of federal, state, and institutional research regulations, sponsor guidelines, and Uniform Guidance requirements across all program activities.
Provides strategic oversight of program budgets, including monitoring financial performance, cost-sharing commitments, and alignment with sponsor-approved scopes of work.
Applies knowledge of risk management practices to support audit readiness for multi-institutional research initiatives.
Applies foundational understanding of technical research domains to support program coordination, stakeholder communication, and effective implementation of research initiatives.
Other standard general duties of directors, adapted for HSRU program duties:
Develops short- and long-range plans, implementation strategies, and resource requirements for assigned program areas.
Coordinates activities to support operational efficiency, consistency, and effective use of shared infrastructure.
Understands the department’s role in accomplishing the University’s mission and advancing externally funded initiatives.
Maintains knowledge of institutional policies and procedures relevant to program administration.
Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and ability to learn and use institutional software systems.
Complies with all State and University policies.
Other duties may be assigned.
To be successful in this position the candidate should have strengths in the following areas:
- Program and project management within complex, multi-stakeholder environments
- Foundational understanding of technical research domains
- Research program coordination and familiarity with externally funded initiatives
- Written and verbal communication, including synthesis of complex information
- Development of procedures, workflows, and implementation tools
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with faculty, administrators, and institutional partners
- Independent learning and adaptability in evolving program contexts
- Working in dynamic environments with attention to detail, accountability, and care for the work
- Interest in higher education, research collaboration, and institutional impact
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s Degree
and
Experience: Five years of related experience and/or training relevant to strategic program administration, multi-institutional research coordination, or academic and research operations within higher education; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Occasional traveling required.
Preferred Qualifications: Doctoral Degree
Why Pick UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP ) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.
UTEP is America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan . Built around the institution’s core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University’s regional impact and national stature.
learn more about our research programs visit
Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities
The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) is a voluntary association of 25 Research 1 universities that rank among the top five percent of institutions in the United States for research activity, as determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Established in 2022, the Alliance brings together peer, mission-driven institutions that collaborate to strengthen graduate pathways, advance the research enterprise, and contribute to national scientific and technical priorities.
HSRU operates as a multi-institutional network, coordinating shared programs and initiatives that no single institution could advance alone. Through collective design, aligned implementation, and cross-campus collaboration, the Alliance develops research-focused initiatives that support faculty leadership, graduate education, and externally funded research partnerships. These initiatives are intentionally structured to leverage institutional strengths, align stakeholders, and scale impact across the network—requiring dedicated program leadership to manage coordination, implementation, and oversight in service of the Alliance’s broader mission. Visit our website for more details: https://www.hsru.org/
Additional Information
Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code
- 51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand and walk. The employee must regularly sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and move up to 10pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level for this work environment is usually moderate.
In keeping with its access, excellence and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu .