Open Searches

Marshall University invites inquiries, nominations, and applications in the search for its next Executive Director of the Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) and Vice President for Research. The university seeks candidates of the highest caliber, who embody the spirit of innovation, integrity, and excellence that define Marshall University and its expanding research enterprise. The Executive Director and Vice President for Research will serve as a key strategic partner to Marshall President Brad D. Smith and the university’s executive leadership team in advancing Marshall’s research mission, sponsored programs, and economic development impact.

Marshall University is a public comprehensive research university with a rich history as one of the first institutions of higher learning in West Virginia. Marshall advances the public good through innovative, accredited educational programs. The university is located in Huntington, West Virginia, with additional campuses in South Charleston and Point Pleasant. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Marshall is classified as an R2 institution, Carnegie Doctoral University: High Research Activity. In Fall 2025, the university enrolled 13,239 students: 9,975 undergraduate; 3,264 graduate; and 560 professional. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs organized into 13 academic colleges and schools. As the Thundering Herd, the university participates in the NCAA Division I, Sun Belt Conference. Marshall University is situated in a region of great natural beauty, bordered by the Ohio River to the north and located close to a variety of state and national forests and parks.

The Executive Director and Vice President for Research serves as the chief executive officer of the Research Corporation and the university’s senior research officer. This leader provides strategic, financial, operational, and regulatory oversight of the entire research enterprise while fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and scholarly impact. The Executive Director plays a central role in expanding Marshall’s research capacity, strengthening external partnerships, and growing sponsored funding across federal, state, foundation, and industry sources.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following achievements and attributes:

1. Proven track record of advancing research and innovation:
   1. Demonstrated ability to lead and grow a complex research enterprise in a rapidly evolving higher education and funding environment.
   2. Record of developing ambitious research strategies and executing results across foundational, applied, and interdisciplinary research portfolios.
   3. Demonstrated success in building infrastructure that supports research compliance, innovation, commercialization, translational research, and workforce development.
2. Experienced leader of complex research organizations:
   1. Progressive senior leadership experience within a university-affiliated research corporation, academic medical center, federal research environment, or similarly complex organization.
   2. Deep knowledge of sponsored programs administration, research compliance (IRB, IACUC, conflict of interest, export controls), contracts, audits, and regulatory frameworks.
   3. Strong financial acumen with experience overseeing multi-million-dollar research budgets, indirect cost recovery, contracts, and sub-awards.
   4. Knowledge of fundraising and external relations, including experience securing competitive grants and cultivating public–private partnerships.
3. Transformational change agent and collaborative leader
   1. Demonstrated success leading organizational change, building trust, and unifying stakeholders across academic, financial, governmental, and industry sectors.
   2. Exceptional communication, consensus-building, and relationship-management skills.
   3. A leadership style grounded in integrity, transparency, accountability, and service.

Additional information is available in the search profile available at the link above.

How to apply: Marshall University is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to:

MarshallEDVPR@academicsearch.org

The position is open until filled, but only applications received by April 14, 2026 can be assured full consideration. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting senior consultant Chris Butler.

Marshall University and the Marshall University Research Corporation are committed to providing equal opportunities to all prospective and current candidates. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected status. Our commitment also applies to all educational programs and activities covered under Title IX. We neither affiliate with nor grant recognition to any individual, group, or organization having policies that discriminate.