Director, Office of Proposal Development

Office of Proposal Development

As one of the nation’s leading research institutions, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has been shaping the future since 1867. Our research enterprise drives student experiences and community engagement, powering innovation and positive change locally, nationally, and globally. The Office of Proposal Development, part of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, works with scholars from units across campus to pursue opportunities that will further their research goals.

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee OPD and research proposal support activities–
  Develop and implement strategic goals for the Office of Proposal Development (OPD) to build competitive capacity and ensure best practices for providing research and proposal support to campus units. Recommend tools and resources. Provide staff leadership, motivation, and maintain a positive and supportive work environment. Supervise and mentor staff including helping staff establish work plans, goals and priorities, providing timely feedback, evaluating performance and providing opportunities for professional development. Work with faculty teams, other Research Development (RD) personnel, and program directors and managers to build relationships and guide project development in alignment with sponsor priorities.
• Provide leadership and vision for campuswide Research Development activities –
  Develop vision and focus for the OVCRI’s Research Development Community. Work with the RDC co-chairs and subcommittee leads to develop programing and activities. Evaluate impact and recommend course correction as needed to align with emerging opportunities. Build awareness of services in campuswide Research Development units and strengthen connection and collaboration across units. Develop and maintain strong relationships with RD teams in units across campus to advance key initiatives in the OVCRI and beyond. Identify opportunities to align campus activities with best practice at the national level.
• Oversee campuswide Limited Submissions activities –
  Mentor and provide staff leadership for the limited submissions team. Oversee organization of and process management for Limited Submissions operations, including Limited Submissions applications and reviews. Ensure accuracy of content. Coordinate with faculty, research leadership, and other units to socialize opportunities and gather and share feedback through information sessions. Evaluate processes and implement enhancements.

Additional Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in a scientific or related discipline. Ten+ years of professional experience operating in a team environment and collaborating on large-scale proposals. Experience with proposal development processes, especially for large-scale proposals, and a strong understanding of the federal funding landscape. Experience leading teams. Deep knowledge of Limited Submissions processes and policies. Direct experience supervising employees.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD or terminal degree in life, physical or social sciences, or related fields. Experience interacting with federal funding agencies, state agencies, and/or foundations. Active participation in Research Development (RD) at the national level with membership in the national organization for RD (NORDP).
Illinois Certified Research Administrator certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with the University’s research enterprise and complex organizational structure. Polished interpersonal and communications skills and superb customer-service skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills and multi-tasking capabilities to meet stringent deadlines and produce accurate, detail-oriented work. Understanding of the intricacies of collaboration with industry, academia, federal and state sponsors, foundations and national labs on projects and requests of all types with a wide range of goals.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 27, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of which details qualifications noted above, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references.  All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  For further information, please contact Erica Hanson, Human Resources, elhanson@illinois.edu.  For application questions, please contact the Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1019948
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu