Assistant Director, Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Salary Range: Up to $73,000 annualized, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on 10/16/2026. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume and cover letter are required.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director provides leadership by guiding departmental strategies, overseeing workflow improvements, and supporting staff development to maximize team effectiveness. This role serves as a key link between department leadership and staff, mentoring team members, and ensuring objectives and initiatives consistently align with organizational goals.  The Assistant Director also enforces university policies and operational processes.

This is a grant-funded position dependent on availability of funds and/or departmental need.

Core Responsibilities

1. Oversees daily operations to ensure projects meet deadlines, budgets, and company objectives. 

2. Assists leadership in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic plans, policies, and procedures. 

3. Supervises, mentors and evaluates Graduate Research Assistant's performance, providing guidance to enhance productivity and professional development. 

4. Assists in managing department budgets, monitoring expenses, and preparing progress reports for senior leadership. 

5. Serves as the primary point of contact between the Director, staff and external stakeholders or clients. 

6. Ensures all activities comply with university requirements and internal policies. 

7. Leads special projects and initiatives to improve organizational efficiency. 

8. Acts as the Director in their absence, making key decisions and managing crisis situations. 

9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field. 

• Five (5) years of related work experience. 

• This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Engineering or related disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving
• Interpersonal Skills
• Oral and Written Technical Communication
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Project Management
• Conflict Management

Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to and from meetings on and off campus, training sessions or other business-related events. After hours and weekend work is required on an occasional basis. 

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, - routinely. Walking and standing – occasionally. Bending and stooping – occasionally. Lifting and exerts up to 10 lbs. of force – occasionally. 

This position will work both on campus and remotely in Texas. Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.