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Director Research Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

The position reports to the Director, Research and Development and has a close working relationship with other R&D staff, Technical Services, Applications Engineering, and Operations personnel. Main ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

The position reports to the Director, Research and Development and has a close working relationship with Primary Operations and Technical Services groups at both the Iowa and Alabama steel mills.

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See Iowa salary details

$61.5K

$152.8K

$201.9K

How much do director research development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director research development in Iowa is $152,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,800.00 and $182,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Research Development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Research Development, you need advanced expertise in research methodologies, project management, and grant writing, usually backed by a graduate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research administration software, funding databases, and compliance systems is essential, along with certifications like CRA (Certified Research Administrator) being advantageous. Strategic thinking, leadership, and excellent communication skills are critical for building collaborations and guiding multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are vital for securing funding, ensuring research integrity, and driving innovative projects to successful completion.

How does a Director of Research Development typically collaborate with other departments to drive innovation within an organization?

A Director of Research Development often works closely with cross-functional teams such as product management, engineering, marketing, and executive leadership to align research initiatives with organizational goals. This role involves facilitating communication between departments, ensuring that research projects support strategic objectives, and integrating insights from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration helps drive innovation, as the Director ensures that research outcomes are actionable and directly contribute to product or service enhancements. Regular meetings, joint project planning sessions, and clear reporting structures are common practices to maintain alignment and foster a culture of innovation.

What is the difference between Director Research Development vs Research Scientist?

AspectDirector Research DevelopmentResearch Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD preferred), leadership experienceTypically a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant field
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team management, cross-department collaborationLaboratory or field research, data analysis, experimentation
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharma, corporate R&DUniversities, research labs, industry R&D
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in research developmentDetails about research-focused roles and career paths

The main difference between a Director Research Development and a Research Scientist lies in their responsibilities and focus. The Director oversees strategic planning, manages teams, and collaborates across departments, while the Research Scientist conducts experiments, analyzes data, and advances scientific knowledge. Both roles require advanced degrees, but the Director typically has more leadership experience and works in a broader strategic context.

What does a Director of Research Development do?

A Director of Research Development leads and manages the planning, coordination, and execution of research strategies within an organization. They are responsible for identifying funding opportunities, fostering collaborations, and overseeing proposal development to secure grants and support research initiatives. Additionally, they work with faculty or research teams to ensure compliance with regulations and alignment with institutional goals, while supporting innovation and the growth of research programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Research Development jobs in Iowa? For Director Research Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Research Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Research Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Research Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Director Research Development job openings:
Director Research Development jobs near you
Grants Manager - Research Development

Grants Manager - Research Development

Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Grants Manager - Research Development

Apply now Job no: 492998
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences.

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national executive search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Grants Manager - Research Development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and strategic research administration professional to support the continued growth of DMU's expanding research enterprise. Reporting within the Office of Research, the Grants Manager - Research Development will play a key role in advancing institutional research initiatives through pre-award grant development, funding opportunity identification, faculty support, proposal coordination, and research capacity building.

This position works closely with faculty, staff, and university leadership to strengthen external funding efforts and promote a culture of research excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Please note: This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

What You'll Do

  • Identify and disseminate external funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities
  • Support faculty and research teams in proposal development and submission preparation
  • Coordinate grant application timelines, documentation, and internal review processes
  • Assist with proposal editing, formatting, and compliance review
  • Collaborate with faculty to strengthen competitiveness for external funding
  • Develop and deliver research development resources, workshops, and training
  • Build relationships across academic and administrative departments to support research growth initiatives
  • Monitor sponsor guidelines and emerging funding trends

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in research administration, public administration, life sciences, communications, business, or a related field
  • Experience in grant development, research administration, sponsored programs, or higher education administration
  • Strong written communication, project coordination, and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a collaborative environment
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and funding requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a related discipline
  • Experience supporting grant proposal development in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
  • Familiarity with federal sponsors including NIH, NSF, HRSA, DoD, or private foundations
  • Experience with electronic research administration systems and proposal submission platforms
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or related certification preferred

Total Rewards

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward medical coverage, a 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, wellness resources, and generous paid time off.

To learn more about DMU benefits and culture, visit:
www.dmu.edu/employment

About DMU

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution offering multiple graduate degree programs across the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and Health Sciences.

In 2023, DMU relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, featuring technology-rich educational spaces and expanded state-of-the-art research facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU's mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

  • Cover letter
  • CV or resume
  • Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile: Grants Manager - Research Development | Scott Healy & Associates

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description

Advertised: 21 May 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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