ASSIST Research Engagement Program Manager - 526020

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $93,900 - Midpoint: $126,800 (Salaried E14)

Department/Organization: 704102 - Office for ASSIST

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy.

Job Summary: The ASSIST Research Engagement Program Manager provides support for broad research development activities, including complex and strategic proposal development efforts, limited submission proposal activities, and interdisciplinary or strategic research initiatives. Engages with multiple internal stakeholders and contributors as well as external institutions and agencies to bring together cohesive proposals. Drives and identifies the development of new, groundbreaking research opportunities for the University. Focuses on strategic research initiatives to strengthen proposals, connect collaborators, and empower faculty.

Additional Department Summary: Facilitates research team interactions and progress for large, complex, and strategic proposal efforts. Identifies funding sources and solicitations. Builds and organizes research teams and external partners, including multiorganizational, industry, municipal, and community partners, to target such funding. Analyzes and gauges internal faculty interest and paths for collaboration, synthesizes research concepts to develop competitive proposals, and engages with agency sponsors. Develops and coordinates new interdisciplinary or strategic research initiatives.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of project management experience; OR master's degree and four (4) years of project management experience.

Skills and Knowledge: High proficiency in project management, data visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI, etc.), and content management systems. Strong analytical and forecasting skills, with the ability to generate actionable insights that support defense and aerospace research growth. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage a variety of stakeholders, especially within the DoD and related sectors. Familiarity with defense contract requirements, grant proposal processes, and funding agency compliance. Leadership skills, including mentoring, conflict resolution, and navigating complex organizational challenges.

Knowledge to lead multi-stakeholder collaborations across government, defense, and industry, with a proven record of on-time and under-budget project delivery. Knowledge in capturing and managing complex defense contracts, including aerospace test equipment and cybersecurity technologies for DoD fleets and systems. Development of organizational processes and training programs used across multiple teams. Extensive experience managing research and software projects.

Preferred Qualifications: Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Degree in science, engineering, business administration, or a related field and ten (10) years of experience managing multi-million-dollar projects and programs, including those involving the Department of Defense (DoD), defense contractors, and aerospace sectors.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster