Director of Research Development

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

April 30, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1155-NN_ADMINPRO - Director

Business Title:

Director of Research Development

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The Office of Research (OR) at Washington State University (WSU) is a constellation of six primary offices and many supporting labs, center, and institutes. Office of Research supports WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and apply knowledge across the full range of scholarly disciplines. Each Office provides particular expertise in different aspects of research support.

As the Director of Research Development, you will collaborate with faculty, researchers, and academic units to identify and secure funding opportunities, while also supporting the growth and advancement of the university’s research portfolio. You will work closely with faculty to increase the competitiveness of grant proposals and enhance the university’s visibility and impact within national and international research landscapes.

Percentage Breakdown of Job Functions:

30% Research Strategy and Development

30% Leadership of Grant Writing and Proposal Support Team

20% Research Capacity Building

10% Evaluation and Reporting

5% Communication

5% Other

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.

Monthly Salary: $7,541.56 - $11,792.00 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Position require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year‐for‐year basis.

• A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in research administration, research development, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Strong track record of securing research funding and working with faculty and administrators in proposal development.

• Experience developing large-scale, multi-disciplinary grant proposals and managing complex partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field is required; a Ph.D. in a related discipline is preferred.

• Experience in a Research I, public land-grant university environment.

• Familiarity with research development tools and resources.

• Knowledge of intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercialization processes.

• Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring research development staff.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complexresearch and funding information to diverse audiences.

• Strong facilitation and training skills, with experience in designing impactful workshops and mentoring programs.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.<