VICE PRESIDENT OF INNOVATION
Reports to: President & CEO
Department: Strategic Growth & Innovation
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Austin Main Campus
POSITIONS PURPOSE
The Vice President of Innovation serves as a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven senior executive responsible for accelerating institutional growth. The acceleration of institutional growth is through expanding strategic partnerships, cultivating revenue innovation, strengthening campus culture, and advancing the University's strategic sustainability. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP of Innovation leads Concordia's strategic engagement ecosystem, working to integrate external partnerships, business development, advancement strategy, community engagement, auxiliary enterprise growth, sponsorships, innovation initiatives, and institutional visibility into one cohesive growth strategy. While not directly responsible for every functional area within this ecosystem, the role demands a high level of discernment, collaborative influence, and the ability to galvanize cross-functional partners by identifying, championing, and pushing potential opportunities through to execution, with revenue growth as the central priority. The VP of Innovation works closely with all members of the Leadership Team to position Concordia University Texas as a premier Christian university recognized for innovation, community impact, workforce development, student transformation, and sustainable institutional growth.
JOB DUTIES & ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Strategic Growth & Institutional Vision
- Collaborate with executive leadership to identify emerging opportunities in higher education, workforce partnerships, technology, ministry, philanthropy, and regional development
- Lead institutional growth initiatives that increase enrollment influence, financial sustainability, community relevance, and long-term impact
- Build scalable strategies that diversify and strengthen non-tuition revenue streams
Revenue Generation & Business Development
- Develop and execute university-wide revenue generation strategies aligned with institutional mission and values
- Identify and cultivate strategic corporate partnerships, sponsorships and grant opportunities, naming opportunities, auxiliary enterprises, and innovation ventures
- Expand revenue opportunities across multiple channels, including:
- Conferences and events
- Corporate training and workforce development
- Degree programs and continuing education
- Athletics partnerships
- Community programming
- Venue and facility utilization
- Sponsor Engagement
- Revenue sharing partnerships
- Ministry partnerships
- Collaborate with advancement and finance leadership to align philanthropic strategy, enrollment opportunities and academic program development with institutional growth initiatives
- Supervise the Office of Campus Operations
Strategic Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as the University's lead ambassador for strategic external relationships
- Build meaningful partnership strategy across a broad range of sectors, including:
- Churches and faith communities
- Corporate and business leaders
- Nonprofits and ministries
- Civic and governmental organizations
- Educational systems
- Healthcare organizations
- Arts and cultural institutions
- Innovation and technology sectors
- Increase Concordia's visibility and influence throughout Austin and the broader region
Executive Leadership and Governance
As a member of the Executive team, works closely with the President and other Vice Presidents to ensure:
Campus Culture & Institutional Alignment
- Help cultivate a campus culture defined by innovation, hospitality, entrepreneurial thinking, mission integration, community impact, and student-centered service
- Champion a healthy, collaborative, mission-centered culture across campus
- Lead strategic change initiatives with emotional intelligence, transparency, and organizational trust
Executive Leadership & Governance
- Serve as an advisor to the President on growth strategy, organizational change, and institutional sustainability
- Contribute to executive decision-making regarding financial sustainability, capital development, strategic planning, campus expansion, community engagement, innovation initiatives, and enrollment influence
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable outcomes tied to institutional growth and engagement goals
- Other duties as assigned by the President
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & PRINCIPLES
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred
- Minimum 10–15 years of executive leadership experience in one or more of the following: higher education, business development, revenue operations, strategic partnerships, advancement/fundraising, corporate leadership, nonprofit leadership, or ministry leadership
- Demonstrated success generating significant organizational growth and revenue expansion
- Proven ability to build high-level strategic relationships and partnerships
- Exceptional communication, public speaking, and leadership skills
- Strong strategic planning and organizational development experience
- Deep alignment with the mission and Christian values of Concordia University Texas
- Ability to articulate and model the Concordia University Texas’ mission, vision, and values
- Commitment to encouraging and supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity as a key component of becoming the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work
- All CTX positions require mission-driven individuals who have a heart for the Gospel and are committed to the Concordia Distinctive, our faith-based mission of empowering students from all backgrounds to lead lives of critical thought, compassionate action, and courageous leadership.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Experience in Christian-based higher education or related sectors
- Experience leading organizational transformation or institutional change initiatives
- Familiarity with the Austin business, ministry, nonprofit, and civic ecosystem
- Entrepreneurial leadership background with measurable innovation success
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Visionary Leadership
- Revenue Strategy & Business Development
- Relationship Building & Partnership Cultivation
- Executive Presence
- Organizational Change Management
- Community & Civic Engagement
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Communication
- Financial Acumen
- Collaborative Leadership
- Mission Integration
- Culture Building
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to occasionally lift, pull, or push up to 30lbs.
- (If campus driver) A valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to move across and access various areas of Concordia University Campus
COMMITMENT TO THE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TEXAS MISSION
Concordia University Texas (CTX) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. CTX seeks candidates who demonstrate both professional excellence and strong personal faith in Christ, while strengthening our campus culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. To the extent allowed by law, we reserve the right to give preference in employment based upon religion. As an institution rooted in the Lutheran tradition and aligned with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, CTX does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.
The preceding job description outlines the general nature and key duties of this role. It may not list every duty, responsibility, or qualification needed. Please ensure you meet all necessary qualifications and are capable of performing all job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
