How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director supports the College of Engineering's research mission by collaborating with the Director, fellow Assistant Directors, and the Associate Dean of Research to help faculty develop and submit competitive individual and team grant proposals.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Responsibilities*
Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Deliver targeted consultations to faculty, strengthening research proposals to match funding opportunities and college priorities
- Conduct initial faculty consultations to assess project needs and potential
- Cultivate relationships with prospective grantees to support project success
- Connect faculty with relevant resources and campus partners (e.g., K-12 programs, CEDER, Ginsberg Center)
- Provide expert feedback on broader impacts, education, and workforce development sections
Proposal Development and Facilitation:
- Serve as a high-level resource for faculty and department research staff throughout the proposal process
- Provide critical support including editing, graphics coordination, submission management, budget development, and external partner outreach
- Lead workshops with peer offices to guide junior faculty pursuing early career funding (NSF CAREER, DOE/DOD Young Investigator programs)
- Coordinate proposal review sessions to strengthen submissions
- Bridge faculty needs with college and university research infrastructure
Consultation and Collaboration Building:
- Develop and facilitate workshops for mid-career and senior faculty to enhance collaboration skills for large center proposals
- Guide faculty interactions with program managers to identify and refine funding opportunities
Partnership and Engagement:
- Foster productive relationships with key university partners including the Office of Research (UMOR), Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP), and the College of Engineering's Resource Planning & Management (RPM)
- Align with College of Engineering's corporate, foundation, and government engagement initiatives to build sustainable research partnerships
Required Qualifications*
- A Bachelor's degree (preferably in engineering or the sciences)
- A minimum of ten years of work experience in research proposal development and/or administration
- Successful proposal development and management of a large NSF, NIH or DoE Center grant
- Experience with coordinating and conducting large center grant site visits
- Ability to set priorities and effectively manage a team
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team
- Flexibility to meet changing priorities
- Fluency with computer software (spreadsheet, word processing, PowerPoint)
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with federal government business development
- Knowledge of University research practices and systems
- Experience with the priorities and faculty of the College of Engineering
- A graduate degree (preferably in engineering or the sciences)
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.