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Research Development Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania

Wills Eye Hospital

Development Associate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$60K/yr

Development Associate Development Department - Wills Eye Foundation (WEF) Full-Time | Salary: $60 ... Conduct basic development research, including prospect identification. Place phone calls to donors ...

ICON

Proposals Development Associate II

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

Proposals Development Associate II (Labs) - Remote, US ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

ICON

Proposals Development Associate II

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

Proposals Development Associate II (Early Phase) - Remote, US ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

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Research Development Associate information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$24K

$53.1K

$98.8K

How much do research development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development associate in Pennsylvania is $53,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $57,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research development associate?

Research Development Associates are professionals who support the development, coordination, and management of research projects, typically within universities, research institutes, or large organizations. Their responsibilities often include identifying funding opportunities, assisting with grant proposal preparation, fostering research collaborations, and ensuring compliance with funding agency guidelines. They serve as a bridge between researchers and administrative offices, helping to maximize research productivity and funding success. Research Development Associates play a key role in advancing institutional research goals and facilitating interdisciplinary initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research development associate?

To thrive as a Research Development Associate, you need expertise in grant writing, project management, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with funding databases, proposal submission systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills help build relationships with researchers and manage complex projects. These skills ensure effective acquisition of research funding and successful coordination of research initiatives.

How does a research development associate typically collaborate with faculty and research teams to support grant proposals?

As a Research Development Associate, you'll work closely with faculty, principal investigators, and research teams to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive grant proposals, and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines. This often involves facilitating brainstorming sessions, coordinating interdisciplinary collaborations, and providing feedback on proposal drafts. You'll also serve as a liaison between researchers and administrative offices, helping to streamline the submission process and enhance the overall quality of proposals.

What is the difference between Research Development Associate vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Development AssociateResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, research experienceBachelor's or Master's, often with project management skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&DResearch sites, labs, academic or healthcare settings
Employer & IndustryUniversities, biotech, pharma, research institutesHospitals, universities, research organizations
Primary FocusSupporting research development, grant writing, proposal preparationManaging research projects, data collection, compliance

The Research Development Associate primarily focuses on supporting research initiatives through grant writing and proposal development, while the Research Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of research projects, including data collection and compliance. Both roles require research experience and are common in academic and industry research settings, but they differ in their core responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Research Development jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Research Development Associate jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Research Development Associate job openings:

Research Development Associate jobs near you

Development Associate

Philadelphia, PA

Wills Eye Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Wills Eye Hospitalexternal

$60K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Wills Eye Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Development Associate

Development Department – Wills Eye Foundation (WEF)
Full-Time | Salary: $60,000 annually

Wills Eye Hospital, recognized globally for excellence in ophthalmology, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Development Associate to support the work the Hospital’s philanthropic initiatives. This role provides essential administrative, operational, and donor-facing support to ensure the success of our comprehensive development efforts. Prior experience supporting a development office is required.

Primary Function

The Development Associate provides administrative support for the Foundation and serves as the initial point of contact for donors, patients, colleagues, and alumni of Wills Eye Hospital. This position supports the fundraising efforts of the Foundation and contributes to the work of the entire development team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Provide administrative support to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Foundation Directors, including managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and tracking expenditures for Development Officers.

  2. Support ongoing administrative and project-based activities of the Development team, including:

    • Formatting, typing, and proofreading letters, gift proposals, agendas, and briefing materials.

    • Maintaining accurate database entries to track activity and donor moves for the CDO and Development Officers.

    • Responding to information requests from faculty, staff, alumni, grateful patients, and others.

    • Managing inventory of Foundation materials, brochures, and letterhead.

    • Organizing and maintaining confidential donor and financial records.

    • Assisting with mailings, special events, and other development activities.

    • Using spreadsheets and database programs (including Raiser’s Edge NXT) to maintain accurate donor data.

  3. Assist with gift processing and financial duties as needed.

  4. Answer office phone lines and respond appropriately to inquiries.

  5. Open, review, and distribute mail; manage the Foundation email inbox and ensure timely responses or referrals.

  6. Submit check requests and regularly coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely payment.

  7. Prepare donor acknowledgement letters for gifts at all levels within 24–48 hours of receipt.

  8. Conduct basic development research, including prospect identification.

  9. Place phone calls to donors to qualify interest, renew lapsed gifts, and build a donor portfolio over time.

  10. Make thank-you calls regularly and engage donors regarding their reasons for supporting the Foundation.

  11. Provide key support for major special events—including the Wills Eye Ball and annual Golf Outing—including sponsorship outreach, mailing list review, program book development, and day-of-event logistics.

  12. Foster strong working relationships with peers and leadership; act as a collaborative and effective team member.

  13. Accept and apply constructive feedback in support of continuous professional development.

  14. Perform other duties as assigned.

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