The mission of the Research Development Office is to grow the volume and visibility of UMD’s research enterprise. We provide customized services to help faculty and faculty-led groups across the university turn ideas into action. Whether you are launching a new initiative, communicating a vision to university leaders, or identifying opportunities for unique research contributions, we are supportive partners during pivotal moments.
The University of Maryland seeks an experienced Proposal Development Manager (PDM) to join its Research Development Office team. The PDM will work under the direction of the Director of Research Development, in coordination with the Associate Vice President for Research Development, to facilitate and execute the scientific and administrative development of complex, visible, and signature research proposals from ideation to submission. The incumbent will work closely with principal and co-investigators, department and college leadership teams and business offices, relevant stakeholders in the Division of Research, and other groups in: coordinating and preparing proposals; assessing project fit and refining responsiveness of the proposal; conducting select outreach to external stakeholders, team members, and sponsors; and providing specialized services to enhance the competitiveness of the submission.
The PDM’s duties will include, but are not limited to, the following types of funding opportunities:
Large-scale, multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research projects and center-level proposals;
Nationally prominent federal agency/foundation opportunities that are catalytic for the investigator’s career advancement and/or leverage and extend campus seed grant investments;
Signature, defining research opportunities for the University, College/School, Center, or Department;
Applications to foundation, corporate, and government sponsors with which the University of Maryland desires to create or enhance long-term, strategic research partnerships.
Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment occasionally at irregular hours when required to meet proposal deadlines.; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.
Licenses/ Certifications: N/AMinimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of proposal development experience. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
Knowledge of state and federal funding agencies and policies.
Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to research activities.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
Preferences:
PhD or graduate work in engineering, applied sciences or relevant proposal development fields.
Evidence of success in contributing to writing, editing, and/or managing large collaborative research proposals to federal agencies and foundations, with particular experience with DoD, DOE, NASA, private foundations, NIH, and NSF, among others.
Strong understanding of research funding mechanisms and ability to communicate and execute strategies for developing compliant, responsive, and competitive proposals.
Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with principal investigators and work collaboratively as a member of a high-performing team to develop competitive research proposals.
Excellent oral and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Required Application Materials:
Resume and Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date:
08/14/2026
Posting Close Date:
08/28/2026
Open Until Filled: No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
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 EligibilityThe 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 StatementThe 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.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Three (3) years of proposal development experience
- One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff
- Knowledge of state and federal funding agencies and policies
- Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to research activities
- Skill in oral and written communication
- Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws
- Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service
- PhD or graduate work in engineering, applied sciences, or relevant proposal development fields
- Experience contributing to writing, editing, and/or managing large collaborative research proposals to federal agencies and foundations (DoD, DOE, NASA, NIH, NSF, private foundations)
- Strong understanding of research funding mechanisms and strategy development for compliant, responsive proposals
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with principal investigators and collaborate in high-performing teams
What We Do
The University of Maryland, College Park offers federal student loans and covers tuition and fees for eligible students.
