Program Manager for Federal Contract Develpment

Job Summary The Program Manager for Federal Contract Development serves a strategic leadership role within the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs, responsible for expanding the University's portfolio of federal and industry-sponsored contracts and cooperative agreements. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs, the Program Manager leads the identification, development, coordination, and submission of competitive contract opportunities that advance the University's research, workforce development, economic development, and innovation objectives. The position works collaboratively with faculty, administrators, government agencies, industry partners, and external stakeholders to cultivate strategic partnerships, align institutional capabilities with sponsor needs, and develop high-quality, compliant, and competitive responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other procurement opportunities. Through proactive opportunity development and strategic relationship management, the Program Manager supports the University's goal of increasing sponsored research expenditures, expanding industry engagement, enhancing its national research profile, and advancing its aspirations for higher research activity and Carnegie classification. Job Duties & Responsibilities Contract and Funding Opportunity Development

• Identify relevant solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, BAAs, etc.) from federal agencies and private-sector partners that align with the organization's research programmatic, and service priorities
• Conduct market research to forecast upcoming federal and private funding opportunities
• Develop and maintain relationships with federal agencies, industry partners, and foundations to advance strategic opportunities

Proposal Management

• Lead and manage the development of high-quality, compliant proposals, including technical, cost, and administrative components
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, faculty, and staff to gather necessary input, write/edit proposal content, and ensure timely completion
• Manage proposal teams, develop timelines, and assign tasks to ensure successful on-time submissions
• Ensure alignment of proposals with solicitation requirements, organizational goals, and applicable compliance regulations

Contract Execution and Compliance

• Support post-award activities, including monitoring project deliverables, reporting, and ensuring compliance with federal and private sponsor requirements
• Track and manage funded contracts, budgets, and reporting obligations
• Provide support for contract negotiations in collaboration with legal, finance, and leadership teams

Strategic Partnerships and Outreach

• Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, industry partners, and institutions to increase competitiveness for contract awards
• Attend relevant industry, agency, and networking events to identify partnerships and funding opportunities

Data Management and Reporting

• Develop tracking systems for proposal submissions, awards, and performance metrics
• Provide regular reports on contract activities, funding success rates, and pipeline development to leadership
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of trends in federal procurement, funding priorities, and grant/contract regulations

Develop Institutional Capacity

• Develop/revise policies and procedures for federal contracting
• Develop training modules on federal contracting for faculty and staff
• Improve current federal contracting framework

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Research Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in federal contract development, proposal management, or grants administration
• Demonstrated experience identifying and responding to contract solicitations, particularly from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE, other federal entities, and industry partners
• Proven track record of successful contract proposals and awards
• Knowledge of federal procurement processes, including FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), and grant/contract management regulations
• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills
• Experience working with online platforms such as Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and federal e-procurement portals
• Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple competing priorities

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Research Administration, or a related field
• Familiarity with research and service initiatives at higher education institutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, proposal development tools, and database management
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse teams

Supplemental Information Applications without the following will not be considered complete.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Transcript(s) if applicable
• Curriculum Vitae if applicable

Review of applications will begin November 17th, 2026 and continue until position is filled.Benefits We offer a complete benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, short- term disablity, holidays, annual, and sick leave.

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