Northeastern University

Sr Research Development Officer

Northeastern University • $87K — $123K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a research-related field plus five years of research development experience, or Doctoral/terminal degree with three years of experience.
  • Extensive knowledge of federal and non-federal research sponsors, preferably in a university setting.
  • Familiarity with federal agency proposal and award processes.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, with ability to summarize scientific research for diverse audiences.
  • Proven experience in business development, strategic planning, project management, and technical writing.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and documents alongside faculty colleagues.
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills to build consensus and lead teams effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage large, complex research proposals.
  • Develop partnerships and interdisciplinary teams to support strategic research initiatives.
  • Enhance institutional research competitiveness through targeted capacity building.
  • Participate in the expansion of existing programs and the development of new initiatives.
  • Build relationships with researchers, particularly with early-career or non-traditional faculty.
  • Strengthen infrastructure for interdisciplinary research across the university.
  • Collaborate with research support services to foster scholarly development.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Paid time off policies.
  • Tuition assistance for employees and dependents.
  • Wellness and life benefits programs.
  • Retirement savings plans.
  • Commuting and transportation support.
Full Job Description
Responsibilities:

The Sr. Research Development Officer (SRDO) will be responsible for increasing institutional research competitiveness through targeted capacity building, supporting strategic initiatives, developing partnerships and interdisciplinary teams and large complex proposals, and research related professional development and programming. We seek a highly collaborative and versatile colleague with attention to detail, impeccable writing skills and strong facilitation skills. Characteristics of the ideal candidate include curiosity, creativity, and compassion, and someone who thrives in a dynamic environment.

The SRDO will provide leadership, strategy development, and management of large/complex research proposals. They will develop deep knowledge of college-based and multidisciplinary research programs and will participate in the expansion of existing programs and the development of new initiatives, working with teams of faculty to develop strategies for successful funding. The SRDO will develop and maintain relationships with researchers, particularly early career, or non-traditional faculty, with a focus on building a sustainable matrix of sponsorship from diverse sources, including collaborative research with industry, and will leverage faculty strengths and internal funding programs to map to key sponsor activities. The SRDO will strengthen the institutional infrastructure for promoting interdisciplinary research and scholarly development across the university, working closely with members of research support services across the network.

Qualifications:
• Master's degree in a research related field, plus five years of experience in research development with an emphasis on multi-investigator proposal development; or Doctoral/terminal degree, plus three years of experience. Comparable experience, including but not limited to, research administration, research communications, project management or public administration or equivalent experience in areas that have the appropriate transferrable skills will also be considered;
• Extensive knowledge of extramural federal and non-federal sponsors supporting research and education activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Knowledge of federal agency proposal and award processes is desired.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities with particular emphasis on ability to understand, interpret, and summarize scientific research initiatives across a variety of subject domains for presentation to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience analyzing complex solicitations and translating technical concepts into a fundable proposal.
• Proven experience in business development, strategic planning, project management and technical writing.
• Ability to assume lead role in project and program management and demonstrated expertise in managing the development of complex documents, together with faculty colleagues.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple complex programs and activities in a timely manner with a high degree of quality, while remaining responsive to varying deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and lead teams in order to achieve desired outcomes.
• The successful candidate will be a flexible, creative, scientifically literate professional and team player with ability to add value to the development of faculty-led research proposals and initiatives across a variety of subject domains.

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
111S

Expected Hiring Range:
$87,785.00 - $123,998.75

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs on its main campus in Boston.
Learn more about Northeastern University
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2,700 employees
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