Department: McC Research Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

Provides strategic planning and practical support required to develop and maintain successful sponsored research portfolios for the faculty in the McCormick School of Engineering.

Manages the development of large-scale and multidisciplinary research projects. Provides specialized support essential for development of proposals to obtain external funding for new and continuing large-scale research projects. Works directly with research and administrative teams to manage/lead the proposal development process, assess and provide guidance on required proposal elements, and coordinate resources as needed to produce highly competitive research funding proposals.

Manages the research development program for early career faculty.

This position will interact on a consistent basis with the following: McCormick Associate Dean for Research, Director of Research Administration, faculty, research administrators, and Office for Research Development.

This role requires a self-directed individual with excellent skills in operations management, oral and written communication, scientific and engineering literacy, knowledge of federal funding opportunities relevant to the breadth of engineering disciplines at Northwestern, and a professional demeanor. This role demands that the individual be forward-thinking in anticipating funding opportunities for junior and senior faculty, and possess a collaborative approach with attitude for excellence and creativity.

Specific Responsibilities:

Leadership/strategic

• Support school leadership in developing and implementing short-term and long-term strategies and programs that align with the school’s research goals and initiatives
• Strategically identify and pursue large-scale and multidisciplinary funding
• Help junior faculty develop skills needed to secure initial funding
• Provide strategic assessment of proposals relative to funding program goals and review criteria
• Develop and maintain competencies in identifying future funding, including identifying areas of existing and emerging research strengths, gathering competitive intelligence on sponsors, and facilitating the formation of research teams

Large-scale proposal practical support

• Manage proposal development support to faculty for large scale proposals including ensuring alignment with the solicitation and sponsor's research priority areas, drafting non-technical sections, budget planning, editing proposal sections, and integrating scientific/technical proposal content to help faculty develop highly competitive research proposals
• Organize/lead the development of proposal writing/development workshops
• Develop and manage timelines, meetings, and documents required for the proposal development process
• Coordinate multi-/inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional teams
• Provide guidance to improve the clarity and content of proposal components, particularly specialized components of large-scale proposals
• Administer critical internal and external reviews for draft proposals
• Manage and coordinate proposal collaboration and partnerships with faculty and administrators both within and outside institutions
• Consult on design, graphics, and other illustrative materials during proposal preparation

Other

• Coordinate and conduct workshops, seminars and training related to research and proposal development and funding opportunities
• Coordinate and facilitate workshops, and seminars to develop the formation of transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and/or collaborative research teams
• Assist with the development of tools and guidance to streamline proposal development for McCormick faculty and staff
• Develop and maintain familiarity with federal funders, federal laboratories, grant opportunities, and personnel at funding agencies and partners
• Coordinate partnerships with internal offices/partners (i.e. Corporate Engagement, OCE, ORD, etc.)

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three to five years of demonstrated success working with and coordinating teams of faculty to develop large-scale research proposals for federal and foundation funding

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Track record of excellent interpersonal and liaison skills, including the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, both internal and external
• Strong communications abilities and attention to detail
• Strong project management skills, coordinating a diverse set of faculty and administrative personnel, both internally and externally
• Ability to prioritize multiple, complex projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with unforgiving deadlines
• Evidence of strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD in a technical field is preferred)

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.