Director, Business Development

Position Summary

Unleash Your Passion for Advancing Research at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), a national leader in scientific and engineering research, serving government, industry, and nonprofit customers. UDRI has performed more than $3 billion in cumulative sponsored research, with sponsored research for 2024 alone exceeding $250 million. Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record in business development?

If so, we have an exceptional opportunity for you to join the University of Dayton's UDRI – Research Administration division as a Director of Business Development. Apply today!

The Director, Business Development at UDRI plays a crucial role in advancing the institute’s strategic goals by ensuring the efficient management of research programs and enhancing UDRI’s public image. Reporting to the Vice President of UDRI, this position is responsible for overseeing the administration of multi‑division programs, supporting the execution of large, sponsored research initiatives, and ensuring the successful growth and management of classified programs.

The Director will also spearhead UDRI’s strategic communications and branding efforts to effectively communicate the institute's mission and accomplishments.
In addition, the Director will provide high‑level oversight for Firm‑Fixed‑Price (FFP) and congressionally mandated programs, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and the achievement of program objectives. A key responsibility will be performing in‑depth business analyses to support strategic decision‑making and providing actionable insights to the Vice President for improved operational efficiency and organizational growth. The Director will also take on other strategic initiatives as directed by the Vice President to further UDRI’s long‑term success.
By driving these initiatives, the Director ensures that UDRI maintains its position as a leader in research and development, fosters collaboration across divisions, and supports the institute’s continued growth and innovation.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• 4 years of progressive experience in business development, research operations or growing and managing diverse business functions, with at least 3 years in an organization of comparable size and complexity to UDRI
• Two years of supervisory experience of business functions
• Experience with, and deep understanding of Federal government contracting, bid and proposal, program management, customer relations, and compliance
• Experience with and understanding of current business processes/systems related to sponsored research, with emphasis on federal procurement
• Proven ability to manage multiple high‑priority projects simultaneously
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Experience working collaboratively on teams and with external partners and customers
• Experience in administering or managing classified programs and security assessments
• Valid driver’s license with a low‑risk driving record and insurable by the University
• Due to the requirements of our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Clearance

• Advanced degree in a scientific, technical field
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business development, research operations or growing and managing diverse business functions, with at least five years in an organization of comparable size and complexity to UDRI
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience of business functions
• Experience developing opportunities, leading and winning large (> $100 million) R&D programs
• Experience working for a defense contractor
• Experience in performing or managing sponsored research
• Experience in planning/managing research facilities to include developing operating budgets and modernization plans
• Experience with managing ISSO certified labs
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Acquisition Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Uniform Guidance, and secure facility accreditation…