Assistant Director, Office of Research Development

General Information:

The Assistant Director of the Office of Research Development (ORD) reports to the Director of the Office of Research Development within the Division of Research, Economic Development, and Innovation. ORD strategically supports efforts by JMU constituents related to pursuing external funding including access to research development resources and expertise, learning programs, strategic research alliances, dissemination of funding agency opportunities, and fostering of partner relationships with JMU research communities. The Assistant Director works in close coordination with the Research Development support personnel of individual colleges of JMU. This role is pivotal in realizing the overarching vision for central Research Development that serves the James Madison University research enterprise while upholding the university’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Director of the Office of Research Development and other relevant stakeholders to develop and execute strategies aimed at enhancing research productivity.

• Communicate with College Research Development Associates and Managers, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to coordinate research development services.

• Maintain and expand a centralized toolkit of Research Development resources for the College Research Development Associates and Managers.

• Track and manage communications with JMU researchers, administration, and College Research Development Associates and Managers.

• Foster engagement with collaborators and external funding entities, including hosting program officers and relevant visitors.

• Develop and implement grant writing and other research development activities, such as appropriate workshops and institutes to stimulate successful grant applications by JMU researchers.

• Provide proposal management support to complex large funding opportunities, such as the development of checklists and timelines based on the solicitation requirements.

• Cultivate strong relationships with faculty and staff to encourage a grant-seeking culture across the university.

• Maintain a strong relationship with research enterprise stakeholders and relevant parties such as Corporate and Foundation Relations.

• Identify appropriate external funding opportunities and promote them within the JMU research community appropriately.

• Maintain internal research development related databases to assist with Research Development initiatives.

• Manage the Office of Research Development’s web presence, including social media.

• Weave JMU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence throughout the planning and processes in the office.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Project management and planning experience.
• Familiarity with research funding mechanisms and grant proposal development processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Effective communication skills, including strong writing and editing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other relevant software applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently as needed.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusive excellence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with institutional policies and processes.
• Previous experience in research development/administration and proposal writing.
• Experience working or collaborating with federal and industry sponsors.