Director, Research Development

Texas A&M University; Bryan (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University is seeking a motivated Director of Research Development for its Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN) in Bryan, Texas. This leadership role focuses on developing research and business opportunities, including managing relationships with sponsors and partners.

The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s Degree and have at least seven years of relevant experience in communications systems and networks, including proven leadership in business development. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate in diverse environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of experience in research, design, operations, or business development.
• Five years of management experience is required.
• Significant experience in developing proposals for government or commercial projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic relationships with partners and sponsors.
• Monitor solicitations and prepare proposals.
• Conduct research and execute project deliverables.
• Represent the center at conferences and industry events.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong client relations

Proficiency with MS Office

Understanding of network systems and cybersecurity

Ability to multi-task

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field

Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering or computer science (preferred)

Job description

Director, Research Development Agency

Job Location: Bryan, Texas | Job Type: Staff

Job Description Summary

The Director of Research Development for the Texas A&M Center for Applied Communications and Networks (CACN) provides leadership for the development of research and business opportunities. As a member of the center’s leadership team, this position helps execute the center’s research and business activities, strategic planning, development, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic relationships with potential research sponsors, partners, vendors, and commercial customers.
• Monitor solicitations (RFIs, RFPs, etc.) and lead preparation of research and commercial proposals, including solution narratives, statements of work, budgets, and schedules.
• Serve as PI, Co‑PI, or collaborator on research and commercial projects as appropriate.
• Perform outreach, including presentations and speaking engagements at conferences, authoring publications, and supporting marketing efforts.
• Serve as liaison with academic and non‑academic units of the University as assigned.
• Represent the center to state and federal agencies, private organizations, partners, collaborators, and industry groups.
• Advise the university community on matters related to center operations.
• Stay abreast of technical developments related to the center’s work.
• Participate in training and professional development sessions.
• Publish articles in trade and professional journals.
• Supervise proposal development personnel and lead collaborative teams for research proposals.
• Develop technical requirements and system designs for conducting research.
• Lead interaction with sponsors, collaborators, and contractors on projects.
• Conduct research, execute deliverables, and produce required reports and artifacts.
• Represent the center at conferences and industry associations.
• Serve on national and international standards committees and federal advisory boards as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Seven years of experience in research, design, operations, or business development for communications systems and networks, including five years of management experience.
• Significant experience developing projects for government agencies and/or commercial business, including writing winning proposals and conducting contract work.

Registration, Certifications, and Licenses

• U.S. passport and willingness to perform domestic and international travel.
• Willingness and eligibility to obtain at least a Secret‑level U.S. security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong client relations, requirement assessment, and statement of work creation.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite for proposal and documentation development.
• Deep understanding of complex network systems, including voice, data, and video, and cybersecurity.
• Ability to multi‑task and collaborate in complex, multi‑agency environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Other Requirements

• Security‑sensitive position restricted to U.S. citizens.
• Employment contingent upon criminal history investigation and verification of credentials.

Equal Opportunity Statement

This position is an Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.