Job Summary

The Associate Director for Research Development will work collaboratively to strengthen Purdue Engineering’s research enterprise through developing and pursuing large-scale funding strategies for complex, cross-disciplinary projects, utilizing an entrepreneurial,  problem-solving approach to explore, launch, and sustain strategic research initiatives with the promise for broad, societal impact. Reporting to the Assistant Dean/CRDO, the Associate Director for Research Development is tasked with supporting strategic planning efforts and developing large-scale ($5M+) funding proposal projects that align with Purdue Engineering’s priorities spanning research, talent development, broadening participation, science communications, and knowledge dissemination efforts. With a particular eye toward strategic planning and coordinating and crafting high-quality proposals that expand and enhance Purdue Engineering’s interdisciplinary collaboration infrastructures, the Associate Director will enable more – and more competitive – research proposals, particularly for initiative- and center-level, or complex, funding opportunities. 

Overall: Research Development Support: Under the supervision of the Asst. Dean/CRDO, this role will work closely with CoE administrative leadership, Office of Research Strategic Initiatives, staff leadership, and faculty to identify, develop, and lead large-scale, strategic funding proposals that are multi-departmental and multi-institutional. Provide administrative support and leadership on strategic planning efforts, large-scale grant proposals, and other strategic initiatives to establish a communicative and efficient learning community of multidisciplinary scholarship, including convening brainstorming meetings, drafting complex grant proposal content, forging inter- and intra-institutional partnerships, and facilitating reviews (red team reviews, etc.). Generally, this role will launch new strategic planning and proposal support programs and services to incentivize CoE researchers to pursue large-scale funding opportunities and enhance greater University-wide engagement with CoE research infrastructure.
 

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Four (4) years of experience in fundraising and/or editorial communications or a comparable combination of a Ph.D. and grant writing experience
• An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered
• Experience in research proposal development, preferably to federal agency sponsors
• Eagerness to contribute to building a new Research Development team and to create processes and administrative structures that endure and sustain
• Comfort in an entrepreneurial, risk-taking, and “start-up” environment without immediately defined roles and boundaries
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a number of stakeholders, including executive leadership, government employees and federal civil servants, vendors, and external partners
• Demonstrated ability to develop written content for internal and external audiences, and alter narrative styles for promotional, instructional, and analytical purposes
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Committed interest to learning more about complex, interdisciplinary research and the associated funding landscape
• Though proficiency in technical research methods and concepts is not mandatory, an eagerness to learn and engage is unequivocally is essential for success
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills
• High level of discretion and good judgment, ability to take initiative, integrity, trustworthiness, diplomacy, respect, and team collaboration
• Flexibility, collegiality, and an overall eagerness to move projects forward within a start-up and risk-taking team environment
• Ability to multitask and respond professionally in challenging situations are essential
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as determined by project deadlines and in discussion with the Assistant Dean/CRDO.

Preferred:

• Master’s/PhD 

Additional Information: 

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply