Director of Centralized Project Development

• 509652
• Hadley, Massachusetts, United States
• Administrative Services
• Full Time
• Grant & Contract Administration
• Non-Unit Exempt
• Remote

• Staff
• Opening on: Aug 20 2026
• Closing on: Nov 20 2026

Executive Area

Research and Engagement

College/School/MBU

UMass Donahue Institute

Department

UMDI - Central Admin

Work Location

Hadley

Schedule

Full Time

Work Arrangement

Remote

Job Summary

The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (UMDI) Centralized Project Development (CPD) Director provides institute-wide leadership of mission-aligned initiatives in partnership with the UMDI Executive Team. The CPD Director leads and oversees the systems, processes, and coordination required to move opportunities from concept to successful launch – supporting both the growth of existing business units and the development of emerging or institute-level initiatives.

This is a temporary position with an initial assignment of one year with an option to extend the appointment for up to another year.

Essential Functions

Leads institute-wide opportunity assessment, feasibility, and readiness processes, establishing and ensuring accountability for standardized Go/No-Go decision frameworks to ensure proposed projects align with UMDI’s mission, strategic priorities, staff capacity, and anticipated return on investment.

Synthesizes CPD insights from project development, proposal outcomes, and project startup activities to inform leadership decision-making that contributes to institute-wide planning, learning, and continuous improvement efforts.

Works with Deputy Director on implementation of the development strategy, particularly identifying and assessing funding prospects; consulting with UMass Foundation Relations on philanthropic research; and identifying opportunities for collaboration across UMDI, the broader campus, and external partners, including initia