Director of Research Development (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $86,300 - 161,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 - $126,000.

This position is a Hybrid role with a percentage of the time remote and on-site along with a flexible work arrangement, which includes a non-standard work schedule.

The initial applicant review will take place on or around 1/16/2025. Posting will close upon selection.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

The Director of Research Development oversees the Research Development unit and has direct working relationships with faculty in their pursuit of extramural research funding, specifically for large interdisciplinary proposals, Center proposals, and research and training proposals of high institutional importance. The position reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development and Chief of Staff and manages the Research Development Office. The Director is expected to be a partner in strategizing the direction of the unit and the overall proposal development support provided to the campus. Leads research development efforts in working with faculty in a strategic fashion to determine appropriate funding sources based on their research agendas and to develop and foster advanced research granting plans and grant skill advancement. Develops and maintains relationships with extramural funding agencies and other stakeholders in support of faculty research development efforts; works with faculty and administrative leadership in developing direct relationships with representatives of funding programs. Uses advanced strategic research development and research administration concepts to manage very complex transactions. Typically works with PIs and large faculty teams on highly complex proposals such as Center-type proposals and proposals of strategic institutional importance, which require strategic grant getting, narrative developmental editing, communications with stakeholders, assessing programmatic research trends, and meetings with multiple investigators and multiple sub-awards. Works on proposals of complex scope that require a thorough understanding of grant-getting and grant-seeking techniques as well as complex regulations.

The Research Development Director works with intercampus units and leadership to create a short and longer-term plan for strategic research advancement and plans what activities are required to support a growing R2, as the campus works towards R1 status. The incumbent manages the UC Merced Campus Limited Submission (LS) Program, including overseeing the Research Administrator 4 and Research Administrator 3 in identifying and launching limited submission opportunities in the campus LS software, InfoReady's Competition Space. The position also recommends modifications to the program to meet changing institutional needs and to assure a high-quality LS process with a goal of identifying the most appropriate applications to extramural funders that require an internal limited submission process. The Research Development Director also works to curate and execute workshops, training, events, and programs for grant-getting and grant-seeking faculty skill development.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provides strategic input on the direction of the unit and proposal development support to campus. Works with supervisor and VCR to develop and continuously improve project selection criteria for the strategic expansion of extramural funding. Advises leadership on complex research development matters.
2. Manages a team of individuals who work with university faculty, graduate students, and administrators to develop and submit competitive grant proposals to support the strategic expansion of extramural funding.
3. Meets with Principal Investigator(s) to build effective teams and strategize regarding planning and timing for submitting large proposals for extramural research support. Develops and maintains a high level of knowledge of sponsor trends in order to advise and assist faculty in developing extramural funding strategies. Research sponsors include, but are not limited to, industry, foundations, and state and federal funding agencies. Engages with external grant agencies and research sponsors designed to enhance the university's knowledge of research funding opportunities.
4. Develops and implements methods for identifying and communicating funding opportunities to faculty with matching interests. Develops faculty enrichment and graduate student capacity for success in grantsmanship through workshops and education, providing consultation with faculty during the grant writing process, and providing feedback on draft grant proposals.
5. Ensures efficient coordination between stakeholders and other university administrative offices through collaborative business process development and implementation.
6. Manages limited submission selection processes through RD staff.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience/training; and/or
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in a related area or equivalent experience/training (preferred); and
• Three years of directly related, progressively responsible experience in research administration, grant writing, or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (required) Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration.
• Ability to interpret policy for others.
• Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques.
• Advanced ability to create and train grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.
• Extensive experience managing staff and setting performance expectations.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.