Associate Director of Research Development

Office of the Associate Dean for Research

Duties & Responsibilities

Manage the development of compelling, compliant, and clear research proposals

• Organize and manage teams of scientists and staff to prepare high-quality, compelling, competitive proposals for funding, including convening and facilitating meetings, creating action plans and timelines, determining proposal milestones, and establishing roles and responsibilities.
• Provide competent writing and editing services for proposals by planning and drafting non-technical sections of proposals and editing drafts of technical and non-technical sections produced by others.
• Review proposals against sponsor merit evaluation criteria for competitiveness.
• Organize pre-submittal peer review panels (i.e., “red teams”) to review scientific narratives and analyze feedback from those reviews to apply comments to the proposal.
• Oversee interactions between PIs and budget teams, research collaborators, communications staff, program managers, and sponsored research administrators to ensure efficient proposal development and submittal processes.
• Maintain information on proposal preparation requirements for relevant research sponsors (e.g., federal agencies, state and local governments, private foundations, and industry partners).

Plan strategic research development activities and initiatives in the College

• Identify potential funding sources and strategic funding opportunities for the college and connect researchers with these opportunities.
• Facilitate relationships across the university and with external partners (universities, corporations, foundations, and government agencies) to form teams that pursue new interdisciplinary funding opportunities.
• Analyze sponsor profiles, funding opportunities, and funding program histories to assess GCOE’s place in the competitive landscape.
• Develop and track metrics for research development services toward growing proposal volume and research expenditures in the College.
• Develop and implement a strategic and integrated capacity building plan for interdisciplinary research and proposals.

Manage external award and prize nominations for The Grainger College of Engineering

• Work with the Office of the ADR, the Office of the Dean, the Department Heads, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and other campus offices to proactively identify Grainger College of Engineering candidates for prestigious external prizes and awards.
• Grow successful award nominations by working with Grainger College of Engineering PIs and their Departments to write nomination letters, secure external letters as needed, and translate technical details into application materials.
• Oversee the submission process and continually analyze processes to ensure award nominations are occurring efficiently and effectively.

Support research-related events in the College

• Assist researchers preparing for site visits (project interviews) by helping develop presentation materials, coaching presentation delivery, organizing mock review panels, and organizing event logistics.

Other duties as assigned

• Assist in the development and implementation of processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the GCOE Office of the ADR.
• Represent the Office of the ADR in meetings/events as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering, writing, business, or related field
• 5+ yrs professional experience with research proposals, business development activities, or project management in a corporate or university setting, 3 of which must include direct experience with proposal development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within a research university setting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of proposal preparation and submission processes.
• Demonstrated experience interacting with federal agencies, corporations, and/or foundations to secure funding.
• Prior supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain interpersonal relationships.
• Proven organizational skills and an attention to detail.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Working knowledge of, or interest in, science and engineering with an ability to understand scientific/technical topics to the extent needed for proposal development.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures for research administration in an academic environment (e.g., personnel, grants and contracts, intellectual property rights, and other appropriate areas).
• Ability to work collaboratively yet be self-motivated, responsible, and deadline oriented.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Applicants may be interviewed before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $90,000-$105,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 22, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Rachael Coleman at rfoll2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1028830
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu