Project Manager, Research and Innovation

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

32d • Hybrid

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Project Manager, Research and Innovation at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Position Purpose: The Project Manager within Research and Innovation will play a key role in advancing the research mission of Wayne State University by supporting faculty and staff in developing competitive proposals, managing internal funding programs, and coordinating large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Project Manager will provide strategic and operational project management to enhance the success of externally funded research and scholarship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in science-related discipline, communications, or equivalent field.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in research development, proposal development, or research administration within higher education.
• Experience with sponsored research management and familiarity with funding agencies and review processes.
• Demonstrated success in project or program management from inception through completion.
• Knowledge of federal and non-federal research sponsors, funding mechanisms, and proposal requirements.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively train and mentor faculty and staff through workshops or one-on-one guidance.
• Strong analytical, writing, and editing abilities for research proposal development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in research and broader impacts activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with administrative coordination of events, workshops, or training programs preferred.
• Ph.D. or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience collaborating on or managing large-scale (> $5M) research proposals.
• Training in facilitation methods (e.g., Strategic Doing, design sprints, or other collaborative tools).

Responsibilities

• Research Development Programming and Faculty Support: Develop programming and resources (e.g., workshops, toolkits, mentoring programs) to strengthen faculty competitiveness in pursuing external research funding. Provide grantsmanship guidance and professional development support.
• Project Management for Large-Scale and Collaborative Proposals: Lead and coordinate project management activities for complex interdisciplinary proposals and internal awards. Develop timelines, coordinate inputs from faculty and partners, ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional guidelines, and oversee submission quality and responsiveness.
• Proposal Development and Editing: Support investigators in writing, editing, and assembling research proposals. Draft or format project narratives, budgets, biosketches, and supporting documents. Organize and facilitate proposal reviews ('red team' reviews) and assist in the collection of materials from partners and collaborators.
• Internal Funding and Program Administration: Manage internal funding programs designed to build faculty research capacity. Oversee program timelines, milestones, and deliverables; track outcomes and provide reports and assessments for program evaluation.
• Outreach, Communication, and Opportunity Tracking: Coordinate with communications staff to advertise funding opportunities, highlight success stories, and expand participation in research development initiatives. Maintain internal databases and track relevant federal and foundation funding opportunities.
• Strategic Planning and Institutional Initiatives: Support forecasting and planning for large-scale institutional research opportunities, including emerging priority areas and partnerships.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees