Department:
Research Integrity
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
Regular
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Work Modality:
Hybrid 02 (On Campus 2 days/Week)
Union:
SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.
Job Description:
Summary:
The Program Manager for Development and Innovation supports the university’s research enterprise by leading funding opportunity identification, faculty engagement, and innovation-support activities for the Office of Research and Sponsored Awards (ORSA). Under the VPRI’s direction, the position is responsible for proactively scanning federal and state agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations to identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with institutional research priorities. The Program Manager monitors sponsor trends and funding landscapes; curates targeted opportunities for faculty, research units, and other entities as assigned; maintains internal tracking systems; and coordinates the institution’s limited submission announcement process for competitive external funding.
Working closely with center directors, department leadership, and pre-award offices, as well as other entities as assigned, the Program Manager for Development and Innovation aligns research/program interests with suitable funding opportunities. Through intake consultations, opportunity matching, and improved communication across research and administrative units, the Program Manager supports entity preparedness and enhances proposal competitiveness across the university.
The role also contributes to the university’s innovation and technology transfer activities by partnering with technology transfer teams to identify opportunities for industry collaboration, commercialization potential, and innovation-focused programming. The Program Manager assists with workshops, pitch sessions, and partnership development activities; supports the evaluation of invention disclosures, emerging technologies, and social innovation; and contributes to responsibilities related to intellectual property, data infrastructure, and research security. The Program Manager will identify and engage with relevant parties across campus related to development and innovation, including but not limited to data infrastructure and security, tech transfer, translation of research, and other VRPI initiatives.
Overall, the Program Manager for Development and Innovation serves as a connector, advisor, and executor, supporting funding opportunity management, research/program development, and innovation activities to help build a dynamic, engaged, and supportive research environment.
Essential Functions:
1.) Funding Strategy & Opportunity Management
- Conduct proactive scanning of federal agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations to identify emerging funding opportunities aligned with university research priorities.

