Research Development Officer

Research Development Officer (G&C Officer -Rsrch Prgrm Dev, 9781RP)

This position serves a leading role in helping position the University to win transformative awards from government and nonprofit funders that help it address complex societal challenges and achieve breakthrough scientific and technological discoveries. This position will be an employee and team member of the Research Development office, a unit within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), and will support the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus at 25% effort assignment and the University's Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) at 50% effort assignment. The employee will maintain a presence (in person with remote options) at the NRRI-Hermantown facility 2-3 days per week with occasional travel to the NRRI-Coleraine facility; remaining time will be assigned to the UMD campus. The position will deliver research development services to faculty, research professionals, and staff at UMD and NRRI and bridge to the broader Research Development office team as needed to support large-scale proposals and initiatives. In addition, the position may support Research Development office work on other system campuses as needed.

To accomplish these duties, this position will:

20%
Lead efforts to identify and evaluate potential research funding and partnership opportunities that meet UMN's mission and NRRI's state charter. This includes performing horizon scanning and qualitative and quantitative analysis that generates strategic intelligence on opportunities, funder needs and priorities, and on competitors and their capabilities. Use expertise and own judgment to determine which opportunities to bring forward to leadership and stakeholders for consideration. Create reports, trend forecasts, and other analysis products that provide actionable insight for leadership and stakeholders regarding research funding and partnership opportunities.

40%
Design and implement strategy-independently or in consultation with faculty, research professionals, and other partners as necessary-to position the University to secure major opportunities as they arise. In addition, design, set strategy, and manage the processes to create winning proposals in response to active solicitations in collaboration with faculty, research professionals, and partners as appropriate, including helping determine proposed project design and scope. This will include working within the NRRI organization and management systems (External Affairs, Partnership Development, Operations) to provide project management and integrated team support to meet proposal needs.

10%
Provide consultation and training, including to junior faculty, new research professionals, and other investigators and college grant administrators on 1) research program strategic planning and development and 2) proposal submission strategies and tactics.

20%
Review and edit proposals, including narratives and supporting materials, for effective impact on funders and proposal reviewers. Consult on proposal budget development.

10%
Leverage NRRI resources and systems to build relationships with faculty, research professionals, and leaders of UMN research resources and with potential partners at other universities, NGOs, companies, and other entities to facilitate the rapid identification and creation of teams that can mount a highly competitive response to funder solicitations. Connect faculty, research professionals, and staff across all campuses as necessary to advance UMN work.

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS and at least 6 years of experience

Research Development (RD) Office at the University of Minnesota provides resources and services focused on increasing researchers' competitiveness in obtaining research funding and assisting them to strategically grow their research program.

Pay Range: $82,486 - $110,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).