Assistant Director of Research Development and Management

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks an Assistant Director of Research Development and Management to drive iSEE’s research strategy and oversee the full grant lifecycle. The role partners with leadership to grow sustainability funding and build multi-disciplinary teams for competitive proposals.

Hybrid work is available with three days per week on campus in Urbana-Champaign, offering collaboration with faculty, staff, and external partners while ensuring proactive compliance and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and at least four years of research development experience.
• Experience with federal grants (NSF, USDA, DOE) and proposal writing.
• Ability to manage grant lifecycle, budgets, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate portfolio strategy with the iSEE leadership.
• Identify funding opportunities and match to researchers.
• Lead interdisciplinary proposal development and organize reviews.
• Coordinate interactions with the iSEE business office and academic units to ensure timely proposals.
• Organize interdisciplinary team-building workshops and networking among scholars on campus.
• Review grant financial reports and assist audit processes.
• Maintain affiliated faculty lists and participate in research development community.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in science, engineering, or social science

Job description

Assistant Director of Research Development and Management

Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require three days per week in the office on campus in Urbana-Champaign.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Research Development and Management contributes to the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) research program strategy as well as overseeing all phases of the research grant lifecycle. The ideal candidate will work with the iSEE leadership team to grow sustainability research initiatives by assisting with grant proposal development and fostering collaborations to create multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator teams to bring new sustainability funding to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Research Development & Proposal Support:
  • Coordinate with the iSEE Associate Director for Research to shape the institute's research portfolio strategy.
  • Identify strategic funding and research opportunities and match these to researchers in iSEE and affiliated faculty.
  • Steer the development and coordination of interdisciplinary proposals with faculty teams, through creating timelines, supporting administrative documents, and providing feedback to strengthen research narratives for grant proposals.
  • Coordinate interaction with the members of the iSEE business office, academic units, other institutes and offices involved in proposal submissions to ensure timely and well-executed iSEE-led proposals.
  • Develop iSEE-supported seed proposal calls and organize review teams for submitted proposals.
  • Organize and facilitate interdisciplinary team building workshops and networking among scholars on campus.
• Research Management:
  • Review grant financial reports to identify risks associated with burn rate, cost share, and impending grant end dates.
  • Serve as a liaison to SPA for postaward questions. Independently interpret and apply sponsor and University policies. Take action to troubleshoot problems, recommend process improvements, and ensure proactive compliance.
  • Prepare audit documentation and assist as a point of contact during internal and external audit processes. Respond to audit findings and follow up on required actions in collaboration with the supervisor.
• Establish Collaborative Relationships Across Campus & Beyond:
  • Curate and manage iSEE affiliated faculty lists and researcher listservs.
  • Actively participate in the Illinois Research Development community of practice and stay up to date with university-wide research facilities and resources.
  • Keep current on research funding outlook by following updates from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, government agencies, and foundations and disseminating them within iSEE and to affiliated faculty.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in science, engineering, or social science field.
• Minimum of four years' direct experience with research development and engagement with research teams.
• Experience with research proposal writing, securing and managing research grants from federal agencies such as the NSF, USDA, DOE, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or terminal degree in science, engineering, or social science.
• Extensive experience in identifying, writing, and managing complex proposal development for large collaborative interdisciplinary research and scientific initiatives (>$1 million).
• Experience interacting with foundations and corporations.
• Experience in developing new initiatives for research mentoring and training of scholars.
• Experience as a Principal Investigator.
• Experience using financial management platforms and interpreting account statements and other financial reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Understanding of Federal funding agencies, their programs and objectives.
• Understanding of the landscape of the private foundations and endowments.
• Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong collaborative leadership and written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across campus units and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and independently lead cross-functional teams with minimal day-to-day supervision from iSEE administration.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, administrators, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $75,000 to $95,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

About the University

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].