Director of Strategic Research Development

Title: Director of Strategic Research Development

Agency: VP FOR RESEARCH

Location: Norfolk, VA

FLSA: Exempt

Job Description: The Director of Research Development will serve as a key leader and trusted partner within the Office of Strategic Research Initiatives (OSRI), supporting the development of competitive proposals, fostering multi‑disciplinary collaborations, and advancing ODU’s research competitiveness and national prominence. This role will be primarily internally facing, working directly with faculty, staff, and other university units to identify funding opportunities, build teams, and enhance proposal quality—particularly in ODU’s strategic thrust areas.

• Master’s degree in a related field or bachelor’s degree in a related field of study with related work experience equivalent to a master’s degree. Graduate degree desired.
• Considerable knowledge of federal regulations related to the conduct of university-based research.
• Considerable knowledge in the practice of crafting competitive proposals, including narrative development, budget justification, and compliance.
• Working knowledge of effective strategies for building and managing multi-disciplinary research teams.
• Ability to analyze written material and apply what is learned to an analysis of current University policy and/or a review of a pending proposal.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form with a range of audiences including university administrators, faculty, federal and other state agencies, and other individuals interacting with the university research enterprise.
• Ability to multitask. Ability to coordinate meetings, prepare professional correspondence, and use computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases including tools for data analysis and project management.
• Some prior experience in grant writing, team creation, and faculty interaction in sponsored research.
• Some prior management experience and considerable experience in grant development/administration work within a university environment.

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