The Director of Research Development (position no. 129380) is a full-time on-site position with the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, FL. This position is a strategic leadership position within the UWF Office of Research Administration and Engagement Office. The ideal candidate will effectively contribute to expanding the university’s research enterprise by identifying high-priority funding opportunities, building interdisciplinary research teams, and providing expert editorial support for large-scale, complex proposals. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Research Administration and Engagement (AVP-RAE), this position focuses on building research projects and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration for the UWF research community and contributes to the overall growth of externally funded revenues.
The role is specifically designed to align with the Florida Board of Governors’ (BOG) strategic metrics, focusing on Programs of Strategic Emphasis (STEM, Health Sciences, and Cybersecurity) and advancing the university toward national preeminence. The Director serves as a key liaison between faculty researchers and the AVP-RAE to ensure institutional resources are effectively deployed to increase external grant expenditures.
The Director will provide strategic guidance to UWF researchers in the development of collaborative research, preparation and revision of grant proposals, and serves as a knowledge resource on regulations regarding research administration. Collaborations with academic departments and colleges to build research projects of significance. Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and the process and eligibility of application to federal and state funding opportunities is essential for this position.
Minimum Qualifications: Masters degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelors degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.
Position Qualifications:
A master’s degree in STEM or a health sciences discipline.
A track record as a PI or co-PI in sponsored research funded by federal and state agencies
Knowledge of grants, contracting, and subcontracting principles and guidelines.
Grant writing experience.
Knowledge of online grant portal including, but not limited to, Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov, eRA Commons, Grant Solutions, Defense Security Service website for security classification; and various required agency-specific web portals.
Knowledge of the cost principles of federal grants.
Knowledge of legal terminology and standard clauses in contract law.
Ability to communicate well as a public speaker and trainer.
Ability to make decisions and apply sound judgment in issue resolution.
Preferred Qualifications:
A doctoral degree in STEM or a health sciences discipline is a plus.
Experience in serving as a primary writer or lead editor on successful federal awards exceeding $1M is a plus.
Demonstrated experience with university (or similar) policies and procedures and federal and state rules, laws, and regulations governing sponsored research administration.
Familiarity with the Florida State University System (SUS) strategic priorities and research metrics.
Salary Range: $90,000-$120,000.
Applications are continuously accepted until the position is filled but the preferred response date is 03/22/2026.
Candidates must apply online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu. Applicants are required to attach a resume, cover letter and contact information for three references. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at 850.474.2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF by contacting UWF Human Resources at 1-850-474-2694 (voice) or 1-850-857-6158 (TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at the University are subject to Florida public records law.