Research Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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