Director, Research Development - Duke Cancer Institute

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

About The Position

The Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) Research Administration team is seeking a Director, Research Development to provide strategic leadership for research development activities that advance DCI's scientific priorities and extramural funding portfolio. In this highly visible role, you will partner with faculty and institutional leaders to identify, develop, and submit complex, multi-investigator funding opportunities while strengthening DCI's research competitiveness and funding success. You will lead the planning and development of major research initiatives, oversee proposal development processes, and guide multidisciplinary teams pursuing large-scale grants, cooperative agreements, and training awards. This position also provides leadership for research development staff and helps establish best practices that support DCI and School of Medicine priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, science, business or a related field.
Seven years of experience working with extramural grants and contracts.
Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary research initiatives and proposal development activities.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty investigators, institutional leadership, research administration offices, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is highly desirable with a demonstration of an understanding and familiarity with a broad range of science or technical subject matter.
Demonstrated knowledge of federal and non-federal funding mechanisms and proposal requirements.
Ability to provide strategic guidance on program development and proposal competitiveness.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic research development initiatives by identifying, evaluating, and communicating funding opportunities from federal, foundation, and industry sponsors that align with DCI priorities and assessing institutional readiness for large-scale funding opportunities.
Direct development of complex grant proposals, including NIH P- and U-series awards, center grants, cooperative agreements, and training programs, while providing high-level strategic guidance on proposal competitiveness, organization, and funding strategy.
Manage proposal planning and execution by establishing timelines, coordinating scientific, administrative, and compliance requirements, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring adherence to sponsor and institutional policies.
Build and support collaborative research teams by facilitating planning meetings, mock reviews, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance proposal quality and funding success.
Provide leadership and operational oversight for research development staff while implementing tools, templates, and best practices that improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance across research development activities.