Federal Engagement​/Research Development Program Director

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** Job Description Summary
** Organizational

Summary:

The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD’s research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.

Job Description

Summary:

Under minimal supervision and reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Development, the Federal Engagement/Research Development Program Director will develop and execute strategies to identify opportunities from federal funding agencies consistent with UMD strategic initiatives, research capabilities, programmatic strengths, and will catalyze and shape competitive responses from UMD investigators. A particular focus will be supporting the growth of UMD's research capabilities through deep institutional engagement with the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, and/or National Institutes of Health.

The Federal Engagement/Research Development Program Director will:
Enhance individual, team, and institutional competitiveness through business development, partnership management, and strategic planning. Serve as an integral member of the RD team to help facilitate the sustained growth of the research enterprise toward $1B in external awards. Preferences

Experience:

Eight years of relevant or related experience in research, proposal development, federal or business development and/or program management or leadership. Prior experience working in a federal agency that funds university research, ideally in a program manager or leadership position. 2+ years experience in higher education Research Development. Experience in opportunity shaping, stakeholder cultivation and preparation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Deep knowledge of federal agency or federal funding environment, internal processes, and funding mechanisms for one or more of the following:
Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautic and Space Agency (NASA), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Direct organizational experience working across different functional units, interfacing with leaders and/or faculty of varying roles. Demonstrated prior performance in shaping a funding opportunity leading to successful award. Ability to facilitate technical workshops and interchange meetings. Ability to independently identify, research and resolve issues.

Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines. Demonstrated emotional and cultural intelligence and track record of working with diverse populations and multicultural contexts. Ability to identify, competitively assess, and pursue research development opportunities across multiple scientific disciplines. Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Licenses/Certifications:

N/A#
** Minimum Qualifications
*
* Education:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Ten (10) years of professional program management experience. Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data.

Knowledge of organizational and unit performances measures.

Knowledge of the impact and implications of decisions on leadership objectives.

Skill in oral and written  in data analytics and  in the use of Microsoft Office products.

Ability to research information and analyze/synthesize complex data and information to create reports and presentations with valid conclusions derived from various sources.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.

Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.#
** Additional Job Details
**** Required Application Materials:
Resume and Cover Letter
**** Best Consideration Date:
January 10, 2026
**** Posting Close Date:
January 24, 2026
**** Open Until Filled: N/A**#
** Job Risks
** Not Applicable to This Position#
** Financial Disclosure Required
** No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit .#
** Department
* * VPR-Research Development#
** Worker Sub-Type
** Staff Regular#
** Salary Range**$ to $#
** Benefits Summary
** For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this .#
** Background Checks
** Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide…