Job Family: Research
Job Series: Research Technical Manager 2
Job Code: 4987
Grade: M
Exemption: Exempt

The Office of the VPDOR is directed by the Vice Provost and Dean of Research and provides guidance and support to facilitate, nurture, and safeguard a thriving research ecosystem. We aspire to encourage and facilitate interdisciplinary and disciplinary research innovation; ensure that Stanford’s research community earns and maintains the public trust; sustain a culture of integrity and operational excellence; and celebrate diversity of individuals and ideas. We operate on the basis of accountability, collaboration, equity and inclusion, growth and adaptability, and open communication.

Position Summary:

The Research Development Office at VPDOR is founded to enhance research competitiveness and promote collaborative research at Stanford. Working under the direction of the Senior Associate Vice Provost for Research Development and the Senior Associate Dean of Finance and Administration, the inaugural Director of Research Development will build a purposeful team from the ground up. S/he will develop a set of strategic and capacity-building programs and services to promote scholarly activities and pursue externally sponsored funding. 

This position carries a high degree of visibility and requires skillful relationship building with external sponsors, Stanford faculty, and department research support staff across different schools. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about helping researchers advocate for their work and bring their ideas to life; who is a visionary leader with a commitment to staff development; and who champions operational excellence and customer service in an academic environment.

For consideration, applications must include, as separate documents, a letter of interest and a CV or resume.

In this role, you will: 

• Set objectives and strategies for the Research Development Office at Stanford.
• Create a blueprint for the research development team and build the workforce that aligns with the objectives; lead and develop staff with diverse research backgrounds as a cohesive team; be responsible for personnel actions including recruitment, retention, performance evaluations, and etc.
• Develop a suite of research development programs and services ranging from funding opportunities and outreach, grant writing and editing, proposal development, to project management of multi-PI and multi-unit grant applications; prioritize areas for growth based on impacts and resource constraints.
• Implement strategies to market the services through ongoing communications and outreach to faculty, research administrators, and department staff; build a network of supporters; cultivate reputation.
• Direct the evaluation of programs; identify, develop, and present qualitative and quantitative measures for success; continue to enhance programs based on faculty feedback.
• Lead programs that facilitate successful proposal concepts, help faculty write successful large proposals and navigate the proposal process; advise faculty on extrinsic issues to get the proposal funded.
• Develop and implement a logical, intelligent, and standard proposal process that supports large proposal projects and relieves administrative burdens for the non-technical side of proposal development.
• Interpret, recommend actions to staff and/or resolve complex issues related to proposal development and submission.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, researchers, research administrators, and department staff across scholarly disciplines; understand their research strengths and look for synergies and collaboration opportunities on multi-disciplinary proposals.
• Develop an approach for systematically gathering funding opportunities and disseminating them to relevant schools, departments, and faculty across campus; encourage researchers to think in advance to prepare for them; be their advocates, strategizing proposal conceptual ideation and development.
• Direct the management and publicity of external and internal funding opportunities and the limited submissions program; strategically identify and match opportunities with existing teams.
• Create relationships with key program managers in the funding agencies; connect faculty and the next generation of center PIs to those program managers
• Collaborate with a variety of campus units to prepare excellent support structures in science outreach, entrepreneurship, diversity, and assessment of all non-technical requirements in a grant proposal.
• Develop training and outreach programs on grantsmanship and proposal development in partnership with the Office of Faculty Development, Diversity and Engagement, the Research Development Office at the School of Medicine, and the Office of Research Administration.
• Develop and lead a Community of Practice for research development staff; share and incorporate best practices of research development into existing processes; create opportunities for staff development and mobility.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Advanced degree (masters or other) required and a minimum of six years of relevant experience. Doctoral degree and scientific background and experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of the pre-award research administration process and the big picture of the sponsored grant life cycle
• Knowledge of and experience working within an academic research setting among faculty, staff, and students
• Experience managing complex scientific, engineering or technical research projects or programs
• Experience managing the development of competitive proposals for funding
• Strong project management skills, including building consensus on the approach, holding collaborators accountable to the approach, and garnering resources to support the project development
• Strategic thinking and decision making with strong problem solving skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills to influence and motivate diverse constituencies spanning multiple organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated excellent planning, organizational, and execution skills.
• Excellent judgment and ability to grasp complex subject matter and communicate with all levels of stakeholders.
• Clear and dynamic communications skills, including oral, written and presentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to develop relationships that enhance trust and reliability, able to work collaboratively and diplomatically with internal and external constituents.
• Ability to act as a mentor/coach who strives to ensure equitable access to opportunities.   
• Certified Research Administrator preferred

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Diversity Statement

We believe Stanford’s future success will be shaped by the diverse perspectives, unique experiences, and inclusive culture of its community.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4987
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: M
• Requisition ID: 87461