Director of Centralized Project Development

Title: Director of Centralized Project Development

Executive Area: Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU: UMass Donahue Institute

Department: UMDI - Central Admin

Work Location: Hadley

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) Centralized Project Development (CPD) Director provides institute-wide leadership of mission-aligned initiatives in partnership with the UMDI Executive Team. The CPD Director leads and oversees the systems, processes, and coordination required to move opportunities from concept to successful launch – supporting both the growth of existing business units and the development of emerging or institute-level initiatives.

This is a temporary position with an initial assignment of one year with an option to extend the appointment for up to another year.

Essential Functions

Leads institute-wide opportunity assessment, feasibility, and readiness processes, establishing and ensuring accountability for standardized Go/No-Go decision frameworks to ensure proposed projects align with UMDI’s mission, strategic priorities, staff capacity, and anticipated return on investment.

Synthesizes CPD insights from project development, proposal outcomes, and project startup activities to inform leadership decision-making that contributes to institute-wide planning, learning, and continuous improvement efforts.

Works with Deputy Director on implementation of the development strategy, particularly identifying and assessing funding prospects; consulting with UMass Foundation Relations on philanthropic research; and identifying opportunities for collaboration across UMDI, the broader campus, and external partners, including initiatives that cut across units or do not naturally reside within a single business unit.

Independently supervises a team that manages and standardizes pre-proposal and submission processes across UMDI, including establishing timelines, developing proposal frameworks (e.g., workplans and GANTT charts), defining technical and compliance expectations, and coordinating submission.

Leads and augments proposal development efforts to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of submissions, including facilitating content strategy, contributing to or reviewing proposal narratives and supporting components, and providing technical guidance to ensure clarity, responsiveness, and alignment with funder requirements.

Collaborates with Fiscal and other internal partners to document new awards and ensure accurate project setup; and leads and oversees post-submission and post-award activities, including coordinating funder feedback and after-action reviews to support continuous improvement.

Leads and oversees cross-functional coordination and project launch for new and institute-level initiatives, convening Business Units, Fiscal, HR, campus, and external partners; and, when centralized coordination is required, directing project kick-off, startup activities, and early-stage project management and hiring to ensure successful implementation.

Oversees the development and use of CPD tools, databases, and dashboards to track opportunities, expertise, and sponsor development efforts, and works with UMDI leadership to assess performance and strengthen project development effectiveness.

Exercises autonomous supervision and leadership of a staff focused on opportunity advancement, marketing, and communications, ensuring collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Other Functions

Supports institute-level communication and dissemination efforts related to new initiatives, project launches, or cross-unit work, in coordination with staff focused on marketing & communications.

Participates in business unit and UMDI initiatives as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree.

10+ years of experience with grant writing and/or grants management.

10+ years of experience working on sponsored projects in government, non-profit, and/or academic settings.

10+ years of project management experience, including planning, development, evaluation, and reporting.

Note: Experience in the above three categories may be concurrent.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse individuals across a variety of roles (e.g., academic and applied researchers, budget analysts, development specialists, human resources, public relations/ communications, pre- and post-award management).

Preferred Qualifications

Specialized expertise in one or more of the following fields: early childhood development, PK-16 education, public health, applied economics, organizational development, and/or workforce development.

Ability to utilize AI and other technology applications to achieve greater quality and efficiencies.

Strong understanding of research and evaluation designs and statistical analysis.

Experience working with or overseeing communications functions in support of business development, partnership development, and organizational visibility.

Facility with Smartsheet software.

Additional Details

This is a full-time benefited position.

This is a temporary position with an initial assignment of one year with an option to extend the appointment for up to another year.

Must maintain a home office, with high-speed internet access, sufficiently free of distractions to allow work to be done.

Multiple hours in a stationary position, using office equipment and computers, attending meetings virtually (and in person when required), working closely and collaboratively with others.

Must reside in the New England region, with the ability to occasionally (approximately 3-5 times/year) travel to required in-person meetings.

Work demands are fast-paced and dynamic, including multiple interruptions and requests for assistance.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 33

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.