Research Development Professional

Position Description

Position Title: Research Development Professional
Reporting To: RDO Research Development Strategy Lead
Location: Duluth
Job Family: Grants and Contracts
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Code: 8223RP - G&C Pro 3-Rsrch Prgrm Dev
Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job
The UMD Research Development (RD) Professional will help University of Minnesota Duluth researchers compete successfully for external funding by providing research development services, particularly strategy and proposal development support for complex multidisciplinary grant proposals. This will be the first dedicated research development role at UMD. As such, this position will entail both significant initiative-taking for outreach and education to faculty and research staff, as well as creativity and adaptability in developing new strategies and systems for growing research development support at UMD. Further, although the Research Development Professional is not a formal leadership position, the employee in this position will need the ability to lead by influence, especially proposal development efforts that include project teams of senior and junior faculty, research staff, and other partners.

This position will be an employee and team member of the Research Development Office (RDO) reporting directly to the Research Development Strategy Lead with dotted line reporting to the UMD Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Education and Research. The RD Professional will work in-person at least 4 days a week on the UMD campus, leveraging a new, centralized office presence for RIO at UMD and thus have an important role representing RIO/RDO and connecting UMD researchers to other RIO/RDO support services as necessary. Occasional travel to the UMN Twin Cities campus will be required (approx. 2-4 times/year).

In addition to candidates in higher education or other sectors with experience developing proposals to federal agencies or other funders for large-scale projects, others who could thrive in this role are those in nonprofits, government agencies, or other entities who are successfully working across boundaries and balancing multiple priorities to manage complex team-based projects.

What Success Looks Like
* More UMD proposal submissions result in awards.
* More proposals are submitted by UMD researchers, particularly ambitious proposals for large-scale initiatives and high-value awards.
* UMD researchers are more aware of research development and the support and resources available from RDO and RIO.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

* In consultation with faculty, research staff, and other internal and/or external partners as necessary, plan, design, and implement strategy and manage processes to develop winning proposals for forthcoming and active solicitations. (30%)
* Review and edit proposal narratives and supporting materials for effective impact on funders and proposal reviewers; track progress and completion of proposal package elements. (30%)
* Conduct outreach and education to faculty and staff on UMN research development resources (including RDO) and how to effectively leverage them. (10%)
* Identify and evaluate potential research funding and partnership opportunities for which UMD can be competitive and bring these to the attention of relevant stakeholders. This includes performing horizon scanning and qualitative and quantitative analysis that generates strategic intelligence on opportunities, funder needs and priorities, and on competitors and their capabilities. (10%)
* Provide consultation and training as necessary to researchers, faculty, and other staff on proposal development strategies and tactics and on positioning research programs for potential funding opportunities. (10%)
* Build relationships with researchers and faculty across the University and with potential partners at other universities, companies, national labs, and nonprofits to facilitate the rapid identification and creation of teams that can mount a highly competitive response to funder solicitations. Connect researchers, faculty, and other staff across all UMN
campuses as necessary to advance UMD work. (5%)
* Support and engage in RDO administrative, strategic planning, and business development activities as required. (5%)

Required
* Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience, or a combination of related education and experience equal to 8 years.
* Demonstrated project leadership skills including being proactive, collaborative, and able to negotiate among multiple interests.
* Excellent project management skills with a proven ability to effectively manage tasks, time, and multiple deadlines.
* Entrepreneurial and takes initiative.
* Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
* Highly organized with significant attention to detail.
* Dedication to continuous learning and advancing skills, including learning new software tools and best practices and acquiring new domain knowledge.
* Ability to achieve advanced- to expert-level proficiency in using Google Workspace tools.

Preferred:
* Master's degree
* Experience in higher education, nonprofits, or the public sector

The Research Development Office (RDO) is a unit within the University of Minnesota (UMN) Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helping the UMN research community identify funding opportunities, build strategic partnerships, develop competitive proposals, and advance large-scale research initiatives. RDO works across campuses, colleges, and disciplines to strengthen the University's research enterprise and increase its state, national, and worldwide impact.

Pay Range: $35.65 - $43.27 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.