Research Development Officer

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director of Research Development and Operations, the Research Development Officer (RDO) helps to produce, manage and implement a suite of programs and services designed to increase the competitiveness of proposals for research funding. Specific on-the-job training and mentoring is provided to allow the RDO to develop a knowledge of research programs and they will participate in the expansion of existing programs and the development of new initiatives. The RDO develops and maintains up-to-date knowledge of funding priorities in support of faculty research development efforts, with a focus on facilitating and supporting Northeastern’s growing research enterprise. Advised by their supervisor, the RDO contributes to the limited submissions process at Northeastern, provides administrative and operational support for the RDO office for event planning and offers proposal development support for single investigator or early career proposals, and to those colleges/campuses without local research development support.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a master’s degree in a research related field, plus three years of experience in either research development/research administration. Comparable experience, including but not limited to, research communications, project management or public administration or equivalent experience in unrelated areas that have the appropriate transferrable skills will also be considered;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities with particular emphasis on ability to understand, interpret, and summarize complex information for presentation to technical and non-technical audiences;
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects and activities, and flexibility to manage addition or reprioritization of projects and to request guidance as needed;
• Not required, but a plus- Experience in editing, writing, project management;
• The successful candidate will be a proactive, flexible, creative, literate professional and team player with ability to add value to a variety of initiatives across subject domains. All other job-specific skills can be taught!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1) Funding opportunity curation and dissemination (25%)

Develops and maintains up-to-date intelligence on extramural funding agency programs in support of faculty research development efforts and works with faculty in developing direct relationships with representatives of funding programs; develops and targets funding opportunity information to relevant faculty; leverages faculty strengths and internal funding programs to map to key sponsor priorities; and disseminate new opportunities.

2. Event planning and logistics (25%)

The RD team and our colleagues across Northeastern organize and host multiple research-related events, both in person and virtually. The RDO will help to develop and deliver training workshops, manage the event planning logistics, provide on the ground support for events, and communicate with participants and other stakeholders.

3. Supporting RD team on strategic initiatives (5%)

Strengthens the institutional infrastructure for promoting interdisciplinary research and scholarly development across the university, working closely with college and departmental research officers to encourage best practices, facilitate strategic planning, convene forums, and perform data analysis. Participates in Research Development and university-wide working groups and committees to identify and develop resources that support research and increase public awareness of Northeastern research excellence. Manages the Research Development website and updates content.

4) Proposal development support (10%):

Implements and manages a suite of programs and services geared to increase the competitiveness of proposals for extramural funding, to include advising researchers on federal and other funding opportunities and supporting faculty teams to develop and submit competitive proposals; supports Research Development team in facilitating networking, teambuilding, proposal planning and coordination for research projects; compiles and analyzes supporting data and conducts competitive analysis to assist faculty teams in preparing more competitive extramural research proposals; supports early career faculty in identifying and competing for career development awards.

5) Research integration and scaling (15%):

Develops deep knowledge of college-based and multidisciplinary research capabilities, programs, and initiatives and participates in the expansion of existing programs and development of new ones. Contributes to identification of opportunities for multi-million-dollar programs with broad impact on campus.

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.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.