Assistant Director, Research Development and Administration

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The goal of the Assistant Director for the Research Development Office is to assist the Director and Assoc. Dean of Research to develop strategic pathways for faculty to create collaborations and teams to advance the research goals of the College. In this capacity, the candidate will prioritize and execute project plans for the development of a suite of large research proposals. Responsibilities include coordinating proposal development resources required, monitoring progress and performance against the proposal development plan, identifying and resolving problems and minimizing delays. Select, in partnership with the faculty, external contractors to support the proposal development process as needed. Coordinate with the College of Engineering's ongoing programs of corporate, foundation and government engagement as appropriate to: build research programs and partnerships; and enhance the quality and competitiveness of research proposal submissions.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Responsibilities*

• Assist in defining, developing and managing project plans for the creation of strategic research proposals led by the College of Engineering (e.g. NSF ERC; NSF STC; DoE EFRC; etc.)
• Coordinate and/or conduct training and development workshops, in partnership with peer offices as appropriate, that enable junior faculty to more effectively pursue early career funding opportunities (e.g. NSF CAREER, DOE/DOD Young Investigator, etc.)
• Act as a high level resource for College and Department Research Administration staff to assist as necessary in proposal preparation and submission, including but not limited to: basic editing, graphics coordination, proposal and submission management, budget development, and outreach coordination with University and external organizations / institutions
• Coordinate and/or conduct training and development workshops, in partnership with peer offices as appropriate, that enable mid-grade and senior faculty the opportunity to develop collaboration and leadership skills to assist them in the development of large center proposals and teams
• Assist in coordinating faculty interaction with institutional program managers to explore and define proposal opportunities
• Assist to define and manage a calendar of strategic research opportunities to enable advance planning and development of research proposals
• Work closely with partner offices such as UM Office of Research (UMOR), Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), and the College of Engineering Office of Resource Planning and Management (RPM)
• Maintain knowledge of College faculty and research interests, capabilities and activities
• Maintain knowledge of current technology and research needs of industry, foundations and government
• Assist with the scheduling of review sessions for proposals as required
• Assist with development and maintenance of the COE research development website
• Coordinate scheduling and content development of the COE Responsible Conduct of Research Program (RCRS) 

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelor's degree (preferably in engineering or the sciences)
• A minimum of ten years of work experience in research proposal development and/or administration
• Successful proposal development and management of a large NSF or DoE Center grant
• Experience with coordinating and conducting large center grant site visits
• Expertise in sponsored research contracting and budgeting
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to set priorities and effectively manage a team
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team
• Flexibility to meet changing priorities
• Fluency with computer software (spreadsheet, word processing, PowerPoint)

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with federal government business development
• Knowledge of University research practices and systems
• Experience with the priorities and faculty of the College of Engineering
• A graduate degree (preferably in engineering or the sciences)

Work Locations

The Michigan Engineering Office of Research Development operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. This position will be classified as a Flex position within the Michigan Engineering STARR classification matrix which means working on campus on average three days per week and working remotely the rest of the week. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/

Additional Information

Direct supervision is received from the Director for Research Development and Compliance.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.