Director research development

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

We are seeking candidates with a commitment to building research development support infrastructure at OHIO. To apply, please complete and submit the online application and be prepared to attach 3 separate documents: Current resume/CV, Cover Letter, and a list of 3 professional references with current contact information. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on October 19, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Posting Details

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Position Information

Business Title

Director, Research Development

Applications Accepted From

University Wide, Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants

We are seeking candidates with a commitment to building research development support infrastructure at OHIO. To apply, please complete and submit the online application and be prepared to attach 3 separate documents: Current resume/CV, Cover Letter, and a list of 3 professional references with current contact information. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on October 19, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:

medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number

2016180T

Department Summary

Ohio University (OHIO) is a nationally recognized, “very high research activity” designated institution. OHIO is home to a dynamic and interdisciplinary research enterprise that spans the sciences, engineering, arts, humanities, and professional disciplines. With over thirty specialized research centers and institutes, OHIO supports a wide range of scholarly and creative endeavors—from avionics and biotechnology to environmental studies, communication, and fine arts.

The university’s research mission is deeply connected to societal impact and regional engagement. Its research support infrastructure includes sponsored programs, compliance, technology transfer, and internal funding mechanisms that empower faculty and students to pursue groundbreaking work.

As OHIO expands its research footprint and strengthens its very high research status, the institution recognizes the critical need for operational and strategic leadership in research development. This position is essential to sustaining OHIO’s momentum as a leading research institution.

The Director will serve as a thought partner with the Division of Research and Creative Activity leadership and with other OHIO planning units to align research development activities with institutional priorities and emerging opportunities in the external funding landscape.

Through the design and implementation of research development programs, internal awards, and mentoring initiatives, the Director will cultivate a culture of continuous growth and innovation among researchers at all career stages.

The Director will ensure that research development investments are data-informed and aligned with OHIO’s mission by supporting complex proposal development and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the Director will help position OHIO faculty for success in securing large-scale, high-impact funding.

The Director will supervise a team of research development professionals and collaborate with faculty, administrators, and external partners to foster a vibrant, forward-looking, and competitive research environment.
For information about this division, please visit

Position Profile

Oversees designated research program, center, or facility and related activities. Manages assigned budget and/or financial responsibilities for program. Evaluates program and provides strategic recommendations for change as needed. Represents program to internal and external contacts. Collaborates with University schools, departments, units regarding program. May be responsible for staff management, compliance monitoring, and writing/reviewing research protocols.

Level Summary

Oversees the strategic planning and execution of diverse activities within a larger functional area of the institution. Leads and directs significant programs through subordinate managers, setting overall strategies and objectives for the area. Contributes to the development of University-wide strategies. Accountable for ensuring that long-term goals are met and communicating the department’s alignment with institutional objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages multiple departments or functions. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors. Has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage performance, discharge, assign duties, reward, and discipline employees.

Fiscal Responsibilities

Responsible for large-scale budgets and strategic fiscal management for multiple work units or large academic unit.

Problem Solving

Handles significant organizational problems, often with long-term impact.

Independence of Action

Operates with significant autonomy, drives company-wide initiatives.

Communication and Collaboration

Influences and collaborates with senior leadership and internal/external stakeholders to drive organizational goals.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Master’s degree in a related field, 10 or more years of related professional experience, and 7 or more years of supervisory experience, or equivalent education and experience. Healthcare professionals must hold, or be eligible for, appropriate licensure as required by position.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., research administration, science, engineering, social sciences, or humanities). At least 6 years of experience in research development.

Department

VP For Research

Pay Rate

This position is a Pay Grade 22 and starting salary will depend on candidate’s experience and qualifications. Employees also enjoy a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, short term disability, life insurance, retirement benefits, educational benefits for themselves and qualified dependents, domestic partner benefits, parental leave, adoption benefits, paid time off, and access to professional development programs. More detailed plan information can be found at:

Pay Grade

22

Pay Range

$110,178.00-$194,560.00

FLSA Status

Exempt

Job Category

Administrative at-will appointment

Employment Type

full-time regular

Job Family

Academic & Program Management

Job Sub Family

Research Program Management

Job Level

M4

Job Open Date

08/28/2025

Posting End Date

10/19/2025

Planning Unit

Vice President for Research

Work Schedule

Typical work expectations are Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00; however, candidates must be willing to work evenings and/or weekends if necessary. A hybrid work schedule (at least 3 days on Athens campus) is anticipated.

Months

12 month

Campus

Athens

Expected hours worked per week

40 plus hours per week

Expected duration of assignment

ongoing

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.

Kimberly Littlefield, [email protected]

Non-Discrimination Statement

Ohio university is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.