Director of Program Development – Sponsored Research

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Lead the formulation and implementation of ULRI's proposal development strategy.

• Align funding opportunities from federal and philanthropic sources with the organization's priorities, research objectives, and mission impact.

• Provide strategic oversight for identifying, assessing, and cultivating funding opportunities across ULRI.

• Develop and sustain a pipeline of high-impact prospects involving federal agencies, foundations, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and nonprofit partners.

• Supervise intricate, multidisciplinary proposals that support research, education, workforce development, and public impact initiatives.

• Create frameworks, tools, best practices, and a repository of non-technical proposal components.

• Edit both technical and non-technical research proposal content, ensuring adherence to RFP requirements.

• Coordinate proposal efforts with Institutes, Finance, IT/Research Security, and Grants & Contracts teams.

• Propel efficient program development procedures, incorporating data-driven and AI-enabled methods.

• Lead a team of skilled program development professionals, providing strategic guidance and ensuring accountability.

• Collaborate with the Chief Program Development Officer, Institute leaders, researchers, and external partners.

• Establish scalable processes that enhance proposal development efficiency across UL Research Institutes.

⛳️ Requirements

• Proven track record in developing and implementing multi-year program development strategies that align organizational priorities with sponsored research.

• Demonstrated experience in executing successful complex funding proposals within federal and philanthropic sectors.

• Working knowledge of the federal funding landscape, including agency center-level and multi-institutional programs.

• Familiarity with philanthropic funding practices, such as letters of inquiry, program officer engagement, and stewardship and reporting obligations.

• Engaging and approachable leadership style with the ability to foster high-performing teams, establish standards and accountability, and enhance organizational capability.

• Sound judgment and data-driven decision-making informed by strategic insights, organizational metrics, and external trends.

• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment while managing multiple concurrent, multi-partner proposals under tight timelines.

• Demonstrated interest in utilizing AI-enabled tools for opportunity identification, landscape analysis, summarization, drafting support, and creating lasting processes around them.

• Master's degree required; doctorate or advanced degree is highly preferred.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in program development, strategic initiatives, research development, or similar leadership roles.

• Proven success in securing both federal awards and philanthropic grants.

• Experience in developing center-scale or multi-institutional proposals ($5M+) for federal agency sponsors and/or multi-year philanthropic initiatives.

• Experience in leading and mentoring a team of experienced professionals.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salaries with potential for bonus compensation.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.

• 401k matching contribution of up to 5% of eligible pay.

• Additional 4% contribution to retirement savings after the first year of continuous employment.

• Flexible working arrangements may be available based on the role.

• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and volunteer days.

• Tailored development, reward, and recognition programs.