Manager, Research Program Development & Grant

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Manager, Research Program Development & Grant in the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to oversee the daily operations of promoting, identifying, and managing externally funded grants and contracts. You will work with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders to advance strategic research initiatives and foster funding opportunities that support the college's mission.

This role leads pre-award and post-award activities, reviews proposals, mentors staff, and

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Bachelor's degree in field appropriate to the position with 5 years of experience in research development, contract & grant preparation, grant accounting.
• Master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead research administration support services within the College of Engineering, assisting faculty in securing external funding and advancing strategic research initiatives.
• Serve as the primary reviewer and approver for proposal submissions, working closely with the Director to optimize operations and service delivery.
• Provide comprehensive pre-award and post-award support, including funding identification, proposal development, compliance guidance, award management, reporting, and award closeout.
• Train, mentor, and supervise research administration personnel and student employees in proposal development, electronic research administration systems, internal processes, sponsor requirements, and award management.
• Collaborate with the Director on strategic initiatives to enhance research administration services and strengthen external funding outcomes.
• Perform additional activities and special projects that support research priorities, research productivity, and external funding growth.
• Lead communications and reporting activities, including oversight of research support communications, funding announcements, and other resources that promote faculty engagement and proposal competitiveness.

Skills

Research development experience

Contract & grant preparation

Grant accounting

Pre-award & post-award support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's Degree

Job description

Overview

Auburn University is now hiring a Manager, Research Program Development & Grant for the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering!

In this pivotal role, you will oversee the daily operations of promoting, identifying, developing, and managing externally funded grants and contracts that support the college's research mission. Working collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders, you will help advance strategic research initiatives by fostering funding opportunities and supporting the successful administration of sponsored programs. This position plays a key role in strengthening the college's research enterprise and expanding its impact through external funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead research administration support services within the College of Engineering, assisting faculty in securing external funding and advancing strategic research initiatives.
• Serve as the primary reviewer and approver for proposal submissions, working closely with the Director to optimize operations and service delivery.
• Provide comprehensive pre-award and post-award support, including funding identification, proposal development, compliance guidance, award management, reporting, and award closeout.
• Train, mentor, and supervise research administration personnel and student employees in proposal development, electronic research administration systems, internal processes, sponsor requirements, and award management.
• Collaborate with the Director on strategic initiatives to enhance research administration services and strengthen external funding outcomes.
• Perform additional activities and special projects that support research priorities, research productivity, and external funding growth.
• Lead communications and reporting activities, including oversight of research support communications, funding announcements, and other resources that promote faculty engagement and proposal competitiveness.

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Bachelor's degree in field appropriate to the position and 5 years of experience in research development, contract & grant preparation, grant accounting with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

9/25/2026