We want to enhance research impact by catalyzing large-scale interdisciplinary research, building strategic partnerships, and leading strategic growth initiatives.

Find out how we are working with researchers and innovators to make this happen.

Let's discover solutions together.

We're Hiring!

Executive Director of Research Development

The Executive Director (ED) will oversee a new Research Development (RD) office housed within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The RD office will enhance research impact by supporting grant proposals for large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives, building strategic partnerships, and leading strategic growth initiatives. This office also will administer multiple seed grant programs, matching funds for federal awards, limited submission competitions, and impact awards. The ED role will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development to enhance interdisciplinary research and advance research growth in areas of strategic importance within RIO. This position requires a visionary leader with deep experience in research development, interdisciplinary team facilitation, funding strategy, and external engagement. The ED will be responsible for ensuring that UMN is well-positioned to compete for large-scale research funding, support researchers in securing external grants, develop and/or support strategic initiatives, and foster impactful collaborations across academia, industry, nonprofits, NGOs, and government agencies. The ED will serve as a RIO liaison to the Corporate Engagement Center (CEC) and assist the Executive Director of CEC in implementing RIO development efforts. The ED will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to align research development efforts with the university’s strategic priorities. This role reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Research Capacity Building and has a dashed report to the Assistant Vice President for External Affairs & Communications to ensure alignment in external engagement, strategic partnership activities, and communication of UMN’s research achievements.

Priority Deadline: May 25, 2025

For more information visit the HR posting (JO 367938):

SPARC Services

SPARC services build capacity to develop, fund, and conduct innovative and impactful research. The services listed are not exhaustive. SPARC is committed to customizing our services to meet individual proposal and project needs.

We are happy to answer any questions you have about our services and provide a brief consultation. Please reach out to us using our contact form.

Large-Scale Proposals

SPARC provides assistance developing complex, large-scale proposals. Our team works with the PI(s) to determine how we can best meet the needs of the proposal team. Due to the high demand for our services, we strongly recommend PIs contact us as early as possible if they are considering pursuing an award.

Examples of our proposal services include:

Opportunity identification and analysis
Proposal strategy development
Budget development and sub-award package management
Identifying, recruiting, and managing internal and external partners
Proposal writing and editing
Proposal development project management
Project governance and organizational design and consulting
Graphic design and illustration
Proposal communication, branding, and graphics assistance
Internal and external partner identification, recruitment, and management
Cost share strategy development and recruitment
Proposal review and editing
Site visit strategy and implementation

Strategy

SPARC can help you develop effective, evidence-based strategies for growing or evolving your research program, center, or team.

Examples of our strategy services include:

Opportunity identification
Peer benchmarking
Landscape scanning and discovery
Team formation and wrap-around support
Strategic growth assessment and planning
Visioning and brainstorming facilitation
External and internal partner identification and recruitment
Connect to state, national, and global resource partners
Communications strategy and planning
Website audit, strategy, and content development
Project management strategy and planning

Impact

SPARC is available to help teams amplify, determine, and measure the impacts of their research and/or programs.

Examples of our impact services include:

Development and implementation of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) plans and frameworks
Consulting on the development of project theories of change (ToC) and logic models
Impact measurement and reporting
Communication strategy development and implementation
Broader impacts development and evaluation
Incorporating existing measurement tools into reporting (experts.umn.edu, etc)
Evaluation training and capacity building
Design and development of online and/or print reports and white papers
Infographics and data communication visuals
Case study development and strategy

Implementation

SPARC can provide expert guidance and short- or long-term implementation support to ensure smooth and successful start-up and implementation of new projects, programs, and initiatives.

Examples of our implementation services include:

Partnership agreements
Subcontract negotiation and oversight
Communication and marketing
New website strategy and setup
Program start-up and scale-up services
Project management system development and implementation
Monitoring, evaluation and reporting system development and implementation
International logistics and safety
Cost share management
Operational consulting and support

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