Associate Director, Research Development

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Map Vanderbilt University research strengths to external federal, state, industry, and private foundation opportunities .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in grant proposal development, strategic funding opportunities, and collaborative project management within a higher education context. Possesses strong persuasive writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Grant Proposal DevelopmentCollaborative Project ManagementPersuasive Writing SkillsFunding Opportunity StrategyResearch Development Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Grant Proposal PreparationProject ManagementResearch AdministrationFunding Principles KnowledgeProposal Submission Processes

Soft Skills

Verbal CommunicationCritical ThinkingTeamworkProfessionalismDiplomacy

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreePh.D.

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationResearch DevelopmentFederal FundingState FundingPrivate Foundation Funding

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Map Vanderbilt University research strengths to external federal, state, industry, and private foundation opportunities
Assist faculty and faculty teams with preparing and submitting complex grant proposals
Advise university leadership, faculty, research centers, and institutes on funding and partnership opportunities
Monitor university priorities, interdisciplinary programs, sponsor directions, strategies, programs, and events
Build and maintain relationships with program officers and new prospects
Provide consulting on strategic proposals and white papers, including conceptualization, team organization, red-team review, pitch development, coaching, and proposal plans
Assemble cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary faculty teams
Leverage and expand existing sponsor relationships
Organize workshops and seminars for current and prospective Principal Investigators
Provide faculty with funding-opportunity information and strategy for time-sensitive grants and awards
Plan and execute sponsor site visits and prepare briefing materials, faculty preparation, one-pagers, and white papers
Collaborate with colleagues on proposals, providing technical expertise, mentorship, and informal leadership
Maintain a grants calendar with funding opportunities, submission dates, historical funding data, and agency requirements
Undertake other assigned projects and duties

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is necessary
At least eight years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary
Exceptional persuasive writing and verbal communication skills
Ability to convert scientific and academic writing to lay language
Ability to balance multiple priorities
High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and tact
Creative skills supporting critical thinking and teamwork
Demonstrated experience in collaborative project management, independently setting and reaching goals, and gathering and organizing information
Outstanding work ethic and enthusiasm for Vanderbilt University’s mission
Genuine commitment to the advancement of science and education
Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred
At least two years of experience working on a high-functioning research development team preferred
Higher education experience strongly preferred
Proven track record of soliciting and closing research grants preferred
Prior experience developing center-scale proposals with large cross-disciplinary faculty groups preferred
Working knowledge of internal research administration and proposal submission processes preferred
Working knowledge of federal, state, industry, and private foundation funding principles and trends preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal-opportunity employer
Professional learning and growth opportunities
Work in service of Vanderbilt University’s mission to advance knowledge and transform lives