Director, Research Development - Duke Cancer Institute

School of Medicine:

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) Research Administration team is seeking a Director, Research Development to provide strategic leadership for research development activities that advance DCI's scientific priorities and extramural funding portfolio. In this highly visible role, you will partner with faculty and institutional leaders to identify, develop, and submit complex, multi-investigator funding opportunities while strengthening DCI's research competitiveness and funding success.

You will lead the planning and development of major research initiatives, oversee proposal development processes, and guide multidisciplinary teams pursuing large-scale grants, cooperative agreements, center programs, and training awards. This position also provides leadership for research development staff and helps establish best practices that support DCI and School of Medicine priorities.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, science, business or a related field. Advanced degree is highly desirable with a demonstration of an understanding and familiarity with a broad range of science or technical subject matter.
• Seven years of experience working with extramural grants and contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and non-federal funding mechanisms and proposal requirements.
• Ability to provide strategic guidance on program development and proposal competitiveness.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, leadership, and external partners.

Other Requirements

• Experience managing complex, multidisciplinary research initiatives and proposal development activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty investigators, institutional leadership, research administration offices, and external partners.

Be Bold.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic research development initiatives by identifying, evaluating, and communicating funding opportunities from federal, foundation, and industry sponsors that align with DCI priorities and assessing institutional readiness for large-scale funding opportunities.
• Direct development of complex grant proposals, including NIH P- and U-series awards, center grants, cooperative agreements, and training programs, while providing high-level strategic guidance on proposal competitiveness, organization, and funding strategy.
• Manage proposal planning and execution by establishing timelines, coordinating scientific, administrative, and compliance requirements, monitoring deliverables, and ensuring adherence to sponsor and institutional policies.
• Build and support collaborative research teams by facilitating planning meetings, mock reviews, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance proposal quality and funding success.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for research development staff while implementing tools, templates, and best practices that improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance across research development activities.

Choose Duke.

The Duke Cancer Institute is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. As part of an innovative academic medical center, you will work alongside world-renowned investigators and institutional leaders to advance groundbreaking scientific discoveries and secure funding that supports transformative cancer research.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape strategic research initiatives, foster multidisciplinary collaborations, and contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes through discovery and innovation. Learn more about Duke University's competitive benefits package and commitment to excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.