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Duke University Job Description: |
Job Title: ASSIST DIR RESEARCH PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT |
Job Code: 2064 |
FLSA: |
Job Level: 56 |
Revised Date: 06/01/2025 |
Job Family: JF 28 |
Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the Research Proposal Development team while ensuring alignment with the strategic direction set by leadership. The Assistant Director plays a key role in proposal development, translating strategic goals into actionable processes, optimizing team performance, and ensuring adherence to proposal development standards. This role includes personnel management, process improvement, and internal coordination to support the organization's overall objectives.
Proposal Development Management Manage the daily operations of the RPD team, ensuring efficiency and adherence to best practices in proposal development. Support the Associate Director in refining and implementing standard procedures for researching, collecting, and tracking client information, including contact data, pipelines, and previous outsourcing experiences. Oversee quality control measures for proposal documentation, ensuring consistency and compliance with submission guidelines. Optimize resource allocation, identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing solutions to improve workflow and productivity. Assist the Associate Director in operational policy implementation and ensure alignment with broader organizational strategies. Develop and oversee reporting mechanisms to monitor team performance, operational challenges, and efficiency improvements. Maintain comprehensive documentation to ensure compliance with internal policies and external guidelines related to proposal development.
Collaboration & Coordination Develop and maintain relationships with faculty to understand their research interests and to ensure research priorities align with proposal development efforts. Develop and maintain communication with Clinical Operations Associate Directors and Assistant Directors, keeping them informed of relevant business opportunities and operational updates. Maintain relationships and facilitate frequent discussions with other Academic Organizations. Prepare and coordinate client meetings, including the maintenance of an accurate, up-to-date, and complete list of upcoming client meetings; development of clear meeting objectives and strategies; identification of attendees; preparation of agendas; and logistical arrangements. Take a lead and proactive role in coordinating and cultivating industry relationships to appropriately match faculty interests with company pipelines and meet annual revenue targets. Work independently and proactively to engage clients/customers in high- level discussions, as well as the ability to negotiate at a high level. Interact with DCRI PLs and TA Faculty to assist with increasing client satisfaction around communication of scope changes and identification and communication of performance metrics.
Business Development: Participate with the proposal development process by providing input on sales strategies for each opportunity, provision of an executive summary for each opportunity, and input into pricing strategies based on customer information Support the sales team in preparing for and leading Portfolio Management Meetings that inform the organization of TA plans to bring in new business, maintain a balanced portfolio, and meet revenue targets. Identify, pre-qualify, and pursue specific business development opportunities within their assigned TAs, working closely with the TA Leader to achieve the annual revenue target as assigned.
Personnel Management Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and training of new staff. Manage and mentor RPD staff, providing ongoing coaching and feedback to support their professional growth and development. Complete performance reviews and development plans for staff members. Assign and manage workloads, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. Handle disciplinary actions, promotions, and transfers as needed. Facilitate team-building activities and promote a positive work environment.
Other Duties Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
| Education/Training: | Bachelor degree in business, science or other related discipline preferred. |
| Experience: | Eight years of experience in clinical research, including a minimum of five years experience in business development at a Contract Research Organization (CRO), Academic Research Organization (ARO), or other comparable organization. |
| Skills: | Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking. Excellent interpersonal skills. Leadership skills including ability to function effectively in a matrix organization. Excellent organizational, planning, prioritization, facilitation, negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficiency in understanding and interpreting solicitation requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Willingness to travel. |
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
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