Assistant Director for Research Development

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN ST. MARY’S COUNTY at the UMD MATRIX Lab in the SMART Building on the USMSM campus. The Assistant Director for Research Development provides visionary leadership and active engagement in the promotion of UMD’s role in the areas of integrated research and education and outreach. It also supports the mission of increasing the impact of the institution to the local and regional community by increasing non-traditional partnering opportunities, creating integrated educational and research opportunities both internally and externally, and increasing research expenditures by supporting interdisciplinary research initiatives.

The position is intended to:
• Strategize to increase the breadth and depth of impact of UMD research in all areas
• Increase the number and depth of research and education partnerships
• Explore and implement non-traditional partnering opportunities
• Integrate innovation and entrepreneurial activities into the education and research environment
• Facilitate the identification and procurement of new sources of revenue to support new and existing programs for the campus
• Identify emerging needs, trends, and services related to regional opportunities and area offerings
• Provide support to the Director of Research and PIs in winning and executing larger research programs, by:
• Increasing research relationships that result in increased research investment
• Making particular efforts to grow defense related research activities and technology transfer between defense, academic and commercial communities

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerating entrepreneurship, and to transforming research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
Master’s degree or its equivalent.

Experience:
• 3-5 years business development experience or experience working within the basic to applied research programs within the government or industry;
• Established relationships with industry, government, academic and/or science foundation partners;
• Experience managing cost, schedule, performance metrics;
• Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff;
• Due to ITAR information, applicant must be a US citizen, and;
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong capability for building an externally funded research program
• Ability to analyze and adapt to ambiguous situations, develop plans, and ensure successful and efficient implementation
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently, and with a team, on complex projects and demonstrate competency and diplomacy

Physical Demands:
• Some sedentary work performed in an office environment requiring the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards for extended times.
• Ability to review, prepare, and analyze data and figures, transcribe, and engage extensive reading of materials and computer screens.
• Ability to traverse short/long distances on and off campus to attend meetings and events.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, electrical circuits and in high noise/vibration environments.

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Preferences:
• Experience with research development in an academic or other environment.
• Experience working with DoW, NSF and similar organizations.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover letter, CV/resume, list of references

Best Consideration Date: December 4, 2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

No

Department

ENGR-A. James Clark School of Engineering

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$140,000 - $165,000

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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