Associate Director, Research Development (Hybrid)

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Research Development, works as part of the Research Development and Support (RDS) team in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation (OVPRI). This role is a key individual contributor focused on aligning Vanderbilt University (VU) research strengths with external funding opportunities from federal, state, industry, and private foundations. The position also involves assisting faculty and teams in preparing and submitting complex grant proposals. Reporting to the Executive Director of RDS, this individual will collaborate with Associate Deans of Research across colleges, schools, and networked campuses to define and execute strategies for increasing success in external sponsorship. The Research Development and Support team provides services to VU leadership, faculty, and staff, aiming to match sponsor interests with Vanderbilt's research strengths and advance the University's goals through partnerships. The Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation promotes Vanderbilt’s research culture, oversees the university’s research portfolio, implements future vision and trans-institutional strategies, and enhances extramural support for research.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent is necessary.
At least eight years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
Exceptional persuasive writing and verbal communication skills are required.
Superior ability to creatively articulate the needs, interests, and accomplishments of Vanderbilt University to a wide range of audiences.
The ability to convert scientific and academic writing to lay language is required.
The ability to balance multiple priorities is required.
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact in all work efforts.
Possess creative skills that facilitate success in an environment where critical thinking and teamwork are essential.
Demonstrated experience in collaborative project management, independently setting and reaching goals and gathering and organizing information.
Project a high degree of intelligence, energy, and imagination, and have an outstanding work ethic and enthusiasm for the mission of Vanderbilt University, as well as a genuine commitment to the advancement of science and education.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree or Ph.D. is preferred.
At least two years of experience working on a high-functioning research development team is preferred.
Higher education experience is strongly preferred.
A proven track record of soliciting and closing research grants is preferred.
Prior experience in developing center-scale proposals working with large cross-disciplinary faculty groups is preferred.
Working knowledge of internal processes related to research administration and proposal submission is preferred.
Working knowledge of the principles and current trends in federal, state, industry, and private foundation funding is preferred.

Responsibilities

Advise Vanderbilt leadership, faculty, and key research centers and institutes in the identification and prioritization of funding and partnership opportunities.
Provide consulting services on strategic proposal and white paper development, including high-level conceptualization, team organization, red-team review, pitch development and coaching, and administrative/management plans.
Bring together strategic teams of faculty and academic leadership across departments and disciplines to pursue trans-institutional support opportunities.
Develop a working knowledge of the university's existing sponsor relationships to leverage and expand them, and identify opportunities to establish ties with new prospects.
Organize workshops/seminars for potential and existing Principal Investigators.
Establish relationships with faculty to provide information and strategy on funding opportunities.
Plan and execute site visits, including developing briefing materials, preparing faculty, and creating communications for sponsors.
Work collaboratively with colleagues on proposal development, providing technical expertise and mentorship.
Track and maintain a grants calendar summarizing funding opportunities, submission dates, historical data, and agency requirements.
Undertake other projects and duties as assigned.