Associate Director for Research Development at InsideHigherEd

Position Number:998026Functional Title:Associate Director for Research DevelopmentPosition Type:ResearchPosition Eclass:EP - EHRA 12 mo leave earningUniversity Information:Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG continues to be recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability. UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal — helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit:The Office of Research Development exists to expand the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s capacity for innovative, groundbreaking research by providing resources that enhance complex proposal competitiveness. Additionally, our office fosters collaboration across the research community within Carolina and among key partners. The Office of Research Development facilitates project ideation, resource identification, and multidisciplinary team formation to enhance UNC’s competitiveness in securing funding for research and scholarly projects.Position Summary:The Associate Director will play a key role in growing proposal submissions and awards across the university by supporting faculty in developing competitive grant applications, fostering strategic partnerships, and advancing institutional research priorities.This position will work closely with faculty, research staff, administrators, and external partners to expand UNCG’s sponsored research portfolio. The Associate Director will lead initiatives to strengthen faculty capacity, coordinate large and complex proposals, and align research development efforts with emerging funding opportunities.Minimum Qualifications:Master’s degree in a research-related discipline, higher education administration, or related field.Minimum of 5 years of experience in research development, sponsored programs administration, or related work in a higher education or research-intensive environment.Demonstrated success in developing, coordinating, or submitting research proposals to federal, state, or foundation sponsors.Strong writing, editing, and project management skills.Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and external partners.Preferred Qualifications:Doctoral degree or advanced professional experience in research development or sponsored research administration.Experience leading large, multi-investigator, and/or multi-institutional proposal efforts.Familiarity with federal research funding priorities and sponsor review processes.Proven track record of increasing proposal submissions and award success rates.Recruitment Range:Commensurate with experienceOrg #-Department:Off of Research Strategic Init - 11520Job Open Date:12/05/2025Job Close Date:12/15/2025Open Until Filled:NoFTE:1.000Type of Appointment:PermanentNumber of Months per Year:12FLSA:ExemptPercentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Proposal Development and Faculty SupportEssential Tasks:Provide direct support to faculty in identifying, developing, and submitting competitive research proposals across disciplines.Lead and manage the preparation of large, complex, and interdisciplinary grant proposals, including center-level initiatives and multi-institutional collaborations.Offer guidance on proposal strategy, narrative development, and compliance with sponsor guidelines.Conduct workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one consultations to strengthen faculty skills in grantsmanship and proposal writing.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Strategic Research GrowthEssential Tasks:Monitor federal, state, foundation, and industry funding landscapes to identify opportunities aligned with UNCG’s research strengths.Develop strategies to increase the number and quality of proposals submitted and to enhance award success rates.Support institutional initiatives such as research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and signature research areas.Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement strategies for research growth that advance UNCG’s trajectory toward R1 Carnegie Classification.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Partnership and CollaborationEssential Tasks:Foster partnerships with external agencies, industries, and community organizations to expand funding opportunities and collaborative research projects.Work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and other units to coordinate research development activities.Serve as a liaison between faculty and external funding agencies, when appropriate, to facilitate communication and build relationships.Percentage Of Time:25%Key Responsibility:Leadership and AdministrationEssential Tasks:Supervise and mentor Faculty, Staff and researchers involved in research development initiatives.Contribute to data collection, reporting, and evaluation of research development activities and outcomes.Support the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Research Development in advancing UNCG’s research strategy.Physical Effort:Hand Movement-Repetitive Motions, Reading, Writing, Hearing, Talking, Lifting-30-60 lbs.