Director of Federal Research Engagement

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida seeks a Director of Federal Research Engagement to connect HWCOE faculty with federal funding opportunities and coordinate responses to information requests. The role builds relationships with program managers and leads engagement in Washington, D.C., providing strategic guidance to college leadership.

The position requires a strong technical background, established federal network, and excellent communication skills. Travel to Gainesville and DC area is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum: master's degree and 6 years relevant experience, or bachelor's degree and 8 years.
• Excellent communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.
• Based in the Washington, D.C. area with a federal engagement focus.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with federal program managers and division leaders.
• Match HWCOE faculty with agency programs and funding opportunities.
• Coordinate faculty responses to agency information requests and workshops.
• Inform College leadership about federal research priorities and opportunities.

Education

Master's degree in an appropriate area

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area

Job description

Director of Federal Research Engagement

Job No: 541961

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Out of the State of Florida

Categories: Executive/Director/Management, Grant or Research Administration

Department: 19010600 - EG-RESEARCH

Job Description

Classification Title: DIR, Public/Gov Relations

Classification Minimum Requirements: Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

The Director of Federal Research Engagement will connect the faculty of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE) with federal research funding opportunities and will coordinate the College's responses to federal agency requests for information on emerging research topics. The position is based in the Washington, D.C. area. Federal agencies are the largest sponsors of the College's research, and research programs take shape in conversations between program managers and the research community well before a solicitation is published. We are seeking a technically credible professional with a strong network among federal program managers and exceptional communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills. In this role, you will work with the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives, the Associate Dean for Research, department chairs, and center and institute directors to build relationships with program managers and division leaders at federal research agencies, match HWCOE faculty and research capabilities with agency programs and funding opportunities, coordinate faculty responses to agency requests for information and invitations to workshops on emerging research topics, and inform College leadership about federal research priorities and opportunities.

Federal Research Agency Engagement

• Build and maintain professional relationships with program managers and division leaders at the federal agencies that fund engineering research, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, NASA, NIST, and other federal sponsors
• Meet regularly with program managers to learn agency research priorities and programs
• Follow agency research programs, funding priorities, and upcoming solicitations relevant to HWCOE research strengths
• Attend public agency events such as industry days, proposers' days, and workshops on behalf of the College
• Serve as the College's point of contact for federal research agency staff in the Washington, D.C. area

Connecting Faculty with Funding Opportunities

• Identify funding opportunities and emerging programs that fit HWCOE faculty, centers, and institutes, and connect the right faculty with them
• Arrange and support faculty visits to program managers and program-manager visits to campus
• Advise faculty on how to present their research to federal agencies and how to develop relationships with program managers
• Support faculty teams preparing large collaborative proposals with insight into agency priorities and expectations
• Help develop and maintain summaries of agency programs and funding opportunities for faculty

Responses to Agency Requests for Information

• Track agency requests for information, workshop invitations, and calls for input on emerging research topics that are relevant to HWCOE
• Identify the faculty best placed to respond and coordinate the College's responses
• Support faculty participation in agency workshops, study groups, and review panels when invited
• Support the Dean's and the Associate Deans' engagement with federal research agencies

Reporting and Coordination

• Inform College leadership regularly about federal research priorities, emerging programs, and opportunities relevant to HWCOE
• Maintain records of federal agency contacts, meetings, and opportunities to support planning and assessment
• Contribute to the College's planning for large-scale center and program opportunities
• Coordinate with UF Research, UF Government and Community Relations, and other University units engaged with federal agencies
• Participate in College leadership and research strategy meetings, including regular visits to Gainesville

Expected Salary

Salary is commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred

Doctoral degree in engineering or a physical science, or equivalent technical depth, and experience as a program manager, program officer, or division leader at a federal research agency.

In addition to the technical background, an established network among federal program managers; demonstrated success building research relationships between universities or industry and federal agencies; excellent written and oral communication, with the ability to translate between faculty and program managers; and eligibility for a U.S. security clearance.

Experience working with interdisciplinary university research teams; understanding of federal research funding mechanisms; and willingness to travel regularly within the Washington, D.C. area and to Gainesville.

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 23 November 2026

Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.