Associate Director of Research Development

Associate Director of Research Development

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Posting Details

 Posting Details 

Job #  | 042372
Department Code  | 22012-6046
Department  | Maxwell
Job Title  | Associate Director of Research Development
Location  | Syracuse, NY
Campus  | Syracuse, NY

Commitment to On-Campus Experience  | Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range  | $91,000 - $100,000
Pay Determination  | Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level  | S5
FLSA Status  | Exempt
Hours  | Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type  | Full-time
Unionized Position Code  | Not Applicable
Job Description  | The Associate Director of Research Development at the Maxwell X Lab will primarily focus on developing research projects with academic, government, and nonprofit partners and pursuing support for this research. The Associate Director will assess the feasibility of potential projects and is responsible for funding X Lab projects through grant writing, consulting contracts, and the strategic use of internal funds.

Reporting to the Managing Director, this role oversees all development efforts, including federal, state, and local agencies, multilaterals, and philanthropy, and identifying opportunities for the X Lab to secure external and internal funding. The Associate Director will collaborate with the Maxwell School’s Associate Dean of Research, in addition to SU faculty, to advance the X Lab’s research priorities. The Associate Director will also support in the creation of research plans and execute them in partnership with the Managing Director and Director.

The Associate Director will supervise X Lab research staff and students and manage X Lab communications and marketing. They will lead on project deliverables including policy briefs and web publications. They will also collaborate with the Managing Director and Director on academic journal publications.

Education and Experience  | PhD in economics, behavioral economics, behavioral public policy, public policy, or public administration.
Skills and Knowledge  | Strong working knowledge of program evaluation with experience conducting natural experiments and randomized controlled trials. Experience with proposal development, coordination, and execution for grants. Knowledge of research funding mechanisms, cycles, compliance, and best practices in collaborative research. Ability to work independently and take initiative with good judgment about when to seek direction. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. Preference for applicants with some success publishing in economics, public policy, or behavioral science journals. Experience with and enthusiasm for working with people with a wide array of backgrounds, identities, life experiences, and communication styles.

Responsibilities  | Foster and develop working relationships with potential research partners in the academic, government, or nonprofit sectors to generate program interventions and/or program evaluation projects. Write successful grant proposals or concept notes to support and secure these projects. Create a strategic funding plan that includes developing relationships with program offices at funding agencies and foundations as well as expanding the X Lab network across organizations. This includes a multi-year strategy, collaborations with various individuals on campus including identifying faculty expertise and working with central positions focused on foundation relations. This also requires working knowledge of the creation of proposal budgets and the ability to strategically identify the best possible projects based on the specific funding opportunity. Support the research design and development of behavioral interventions and evaluation projects with clients. This includes but is not limited to regular in person, virtual, and electronic meetings and communications. Independently preparing review and progress documentation. Anticipating potential project issues and troubleshooting in advance and within the original scope and timeline of the project. Co-write academic journal articles and client reports based on project outcomes. This also includes preparing any necessary grant post-award documentation and reporting as outlined by the funder. Mentor and manage research support staff and students.

Physical Requirements  | Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment  | Not Applicable
Application Instructions  | In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University  | Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area  | Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement  | Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans  | Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community  | Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

Quick Link  | https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/111414
Job Posting Date  | 10/31/2025
Application Deadline  |
Full Consideration By  |
Job Category  | Staff
Message to Applicants  | 

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