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Research Development Officer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Dallas, TX · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... CEO, Communications, Development, and Operations teams. * Provide follow-up communications and materials for events and campaigns. Grant & Research Support * Research grant opportunities and ...

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Research Development Officer information

See Texas salary details

$36.3K

$69.4K

$110.9K

How much do research development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development officer in Texas is $69,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $78,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Research Development Officer, you need strong analytical skills, grant writing expertise, and experience in research administration, typically supported by a degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research funding databases, proposal management systems, and compliance regulations is essential. Excellent communication, project management, and collaboration skills help build strong relationships with researchers and funding bodies. These competencies are vital for securing research funding, ensuring compliance, and supporting the institution’s research goals.

How to become a research development officer?

To become a research development officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences, along with experience in research or project management. Developing skills in grant writing, data analysis, and stakeholder communication is also important, and some roles may require a master's degree or professional certification. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can help build the necessary expertise for this role.

What does a research development officer do?

A Research Development Officer supports and enhances research activities within an organization, typically at universities, research institutes, or government agencies. Their main responsibilities include identifying funding opportunities, assisting with grant proposals, coordinating collaborative research projects, and helping researchers comply with funding guidelines. They also provide strategic advice on research priorities and foster partnerships between researchers and external stakeholders. This role is crucial for advancing the organization's research agenda and increasing its competitive edge in securing external funding.

Is a research development officer a stressful job?

A research development officer's job can be stressful due to deadlines, project management, and the need for accurate data analysis. The role often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What is the difference between Research Development Officer vs Research Analyst?

AspectResearch Development OfficerResearch Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field, sometimes certifications in research methodsBachelor's or Master's in related field, often with data analysis certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, government agenciesCorporate, market research firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, nonprofit, and government sectors for project developmentCommon in business, marketing, and policy analysis sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in research project developmentAnalyzing data and market trends

The Research Development Officer primarily focuses on initiating and managing research projects, securing funding, and developing research strategies. In contrast, a Research Analyst concentrates on analyzing data, interpreting research findings, and providing insights. Both roles require strong research skills but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

How does a research development officer typically collaborate with faculty and research teams to secure funding?

A Research Development Officer works closely with faculty, research teams, and institutional leaders to identify grant opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and support the strategic planning of research initiatives. This often involves facilitating workshops, providing guidance on funding agency requirements, and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for large-scale projects. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage timelines, ensuring that all collaborators are aligned and that submissions meet deadlines. By fostering these partnerships, Research Development Officers help maximize the institution’s research potential.
Infographic showing various Research Development Officer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,360 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Organization
Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.

Essential Responsibilities

The Regional Development Officer is responsible for the development activities for an assigned portfolio and for other general fundraising activities for the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the George W. Bush Institute. The Regional Development Officer manages a portfolio of Bush Center donors and prospects with the goal of meaningful, sustained, and active financial support of the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Regional Fundraising Activities

  • Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.
  • Effectively communicate the mission of the Bush Center and the Bush Institute to donors and prospects.
  • Implement fundraising for special projects, not limited to temporary exhibits and other public programming events.
  • Recommend and facilitate endowment and planned gift fundraising opportunities.
  • Communicate frequently and systematically with donors and prospects.
  • Meet with donors and prospects regularly.
  • Track all contacts with donors and prospects and related development activities in Bush Center database.
  • Work with the Data Operations team to ensure accurate and timely acknowledgment of contributions and production of event follow-up letters, interest letters, and special case donor letters.
  • Review and respond to large quantities of data.

Prospecting Responsibilities

  • Work alongside the Regional fundraising team on creating fundraising strategies designed to acquire new donors and increase giving from current donors.
  • Review, update, and refresh donor/prospect portfolio as appropriate.
  • Conduct research on prospects and donors.

General Development Activities

  • Coordinate specific fundraising initiatives as assigned.
  • Assist with production of general Bush Center fundraising meetings and events as needed.
  • Generate internal documents as appropriate.
  • Complete other tasks and duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The qualified candidate will possess (a/an):

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Minimum of 3 – 5 years of fundraising experience in professional and/or non-profit environment.
  • Computer and technological literacy; experience with Raiser’s Edge, or comparable fundraising database, is preferred.
  • Commitment to the vision and mission of the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

Additionally, the candidate will:

  • Demonstrate clear and engaging communicative and collaborative skills as this position will have to speak, write, present, and interact with various team members in a dynamic organizational environment in addition to various donors and stakeholders.
  • Provide prompt, professional interaction with high level internal and external customers.
  • Perform with a highly driven, results-oriented work ethic and provide metrics as requested.
  • Travel to meet with donors and prospects as necessary.
  • Demonstrate the ability to exercise diplomacy and discernment.
  • Will be trusted to handle sensitive information.

The George W. Bush Presidential Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit stationary at a desk and use computer equipment.

Position: Regional Development Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director, Major Giving

Department: Development

Division: Donor Relations