Managing Director, Research University Practice

McAllister & Quinn

Managing Director leading client engagements and strategic advising for research universities. Collaborating to implement funding strategies and enhance federal agency partnerships.

Posted 6/5/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $110,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead client engagements and serve as a strategic advisor to university leadership, faculty, and research development teams
Design and implement funding strategies, guide proposal development, support federal agency engagement
Contribute to capacity-building initiatives and help clients secure major awards
Maintain strong, responsive client relationships and oversee strategic planning and execution of work plans
Coordinate consultant teams to deliver high-quality services
Engage with clients on site and participate in industry conferences (approximately <20% travel)

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
8+ years of experience in research development, sponsored programs, federal funding, or related work
Familiarity with research programs across one or more federal agencies (DoD, DOE, NIH, USDA, DOC, NASA, NSF)
Strong client management and stakeholder engagement skills
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Strong research, analytical, writing, and editing skills
Ability to communicate technical content clearly to different audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive 401(k)
Healthcare
Dental
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Dependent care FSA
HSA/FSA
Transit benefits
Flexible vacation and leave policy

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

research developmentproposal developmentfunding strategiesfederal fundingproject managementanalytical skillswriting skillsediting skills

Soft Skills

client managementstakeholder engagementstrategic planningrelationship managementcommunication skillscapacity-building

Certifications

Master’s degree