Director of Program Development – Sponsored Research

UL Solutions

. Direct the development and execution of ULRI's proposal development strategy .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesLead💰 $144,305 - $198,419 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing multi-year program development strategies, with a strong focus on federal and philanthropic funding opportunities. Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex proposals, and apply data-driven decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Development StrategyFederal Funding LandscapePhilanthropic Funding PracticesTeam LeadershipAI-Enabled Tools

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal DevelopmentFunding Proposal ExecutionResearch DevelopmentCompliance with RFP RequirementsData-Driven Decision-MakingMulti-Institutional ProposalsCenter-Scale ProposalsStrategic InsightsOrganizational MetricsOpportunity Identification

Soft Skills

Engaging Leadership StyleApproachable CommunicationTeam BuildingAccountabilityJudgment

Tools & Technologies

AI-Enabled ApproachesProposal Development ToolsData Analysis Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's DegreeDoctorate or Advanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

Federal AgenciesPhilanthropic OrganizationsNonprofit PartnersResearch PortfoliosWorkforce Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Direct the development and execution of ULRI's proposal development strategy
Align federal and philanthropic funding opportunities with organizational priorities, research goals, and mission impact
Provide strategic direction for identifying, evaluating, and developing funding opportunities across ULRI
Develop and maintain a pipeline of high-impact opportunities involving federal agencies, foundations, industry, academic institutions, and nonprofit partners
Oversee complex, multidisciplinary proposals supporting research, education, workforce development, and public impact portfolios
Develop frameworks, tools, best practices, and a library of non-technical proposal components
Edit technical and non-technical research proposal content and ensure compliance with RFP requirements
Coordinate proposal work with Institutes, Finance, IT/Research Security, and Grants & Contracts teams
Drive efficient program development processes, including data-driven and AI-enabled approaches
Lead a team of experienced program development professionals, setting strategic direction and ensuring accountability
Work with the Chief Program Development Officer, Institute leaders, researchers, and external stakeholders
Build scalable processes that improve proposal development effectiveness across UL Research Institutes

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven ability to develop and execute multi-year program development strategies, translating organizational priorities into sponsored research
Demonstrated expertise in executing successful complex funding proposals across federal and philanthropic sectors
Working knowledge of the federal funding landscape, including agency center-level and multi-institutional programs
Working knowledge of philanthropic funding practices, including letters of inquiry, program officer cultivation, and stewardship and reporting requirements
Engaging, approachable leadership style with ability to build high-performing teams, set standards and accountability, and develop organizational capability
Sound judgment and data-informed decision-making using strategic insights, organizational metrics, and external trends
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and manage multiple concurrent, multi-partner proposals under compressed timelines
Demonstrated interest in applying AI-enabled tools to opportunity identification, landscape analysis, summarization, and drafting support, and building durable processes around them
Master's degree required; doctorate or advanced degree highly preferred
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in program development, strategic initiatives, research development, or related leadership roles
Demonstrated success securing both federal awards and philanthropic grants
Experience developing center-scale or multi-institutional proposals ($5M+) for federal agency sponsors and/or multi-year philanthropic initiatives
Experience leading and developing a team of experienced professionals

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salaries with additional eligibility for bonus compensation
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay
Additional 4% into retirement saving fund after first year of continuous employment
Flexible working arrangements may be available depending on role
Paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days
Targeted development, reward, and recognition programs