Assistant Director of Proposal Development

8546BR

VP for Research

Sponsored Research Services

Job Summary

Performs a variety of key tasks and supports externally sponsored programs across campus by facilitating the development, organization, and submission of proposals for external research funding. Works in collaboration with Sponsored Programs Accounting Office, funded Principal Investigators, external sponsors, and key university partners including VPs, Deans, Department Heads, and unit management.
Demonstrates ability to perform at the level 2. Regarded as an expert pre award proposals. Responsible for large, multifaceted, complex proposals (multi institution, institutional wide initiatives, significant $, etc). Provides ongoing guidance and mentoring to pre award level 1 and level 2; provide feedback on performance and serves as reviewer of proposals submitted by pre award level 1 and level 2. Responsible for identifying, conducting outreach, and training activities (e.g. workshops, info sessions, guidance on new topics, etc) with campus community to improve understanding of proposal and pre award process.  Provides SRS leadership on institutional wide initiatives and leads special projects. Serves as backup to the Director.

Job Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities

• Serves as key point of contact for both internal and external parties related to sponsor projects providing guidance and advisement on development of proposals, interpretation of sponsor requests, and university and sponsor compliance requirements.
• Provides ongoing guidance and mentoring to Pre Award Administrators I and II; provide feedback on performance and serves as reviewer of pre award level 1 and level 2 work. Serves as resource on proposal development strategies, budget creation, and general questions. Coordinates training of new pre award level 1 and 2s.
• Reviews most complex proposals (typically involving multiple institutions, institutional wide, significant budget) to ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor guidelines, and overall excellence in all proposal components.  Acts as authorizing official for proposals.
• Provides administrative leadership for proposals such as maintaining organized documentation of communication and decisions related to submission, managing electronic research administration functions related to development and submission, and development of checklists and tools to ensure complete proposal packages.
• Create budgets in agency specific formats that are compliant with sponsor and university rules and regulations.
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with external sponsors, faculty, staff, department heads, directors, deans, and vice presidents.
• Identifies and disseminates information about funding opportunities. Work with investigators to match expertise and fundable ideas with potential sponsors.
• Assists faculty and staff with idea generation, project design and development, and assists in writing of proposal narratives. Assists research centers in strategic planning and opportunity development to support research growth.
• Form and facilitate teams of faculty/staff and external partners to develop collaborative projects. Promote networking among faculty and staff within the university, within the local and national community, and within other universities.
• Provides SRS leadership on institution wide initiatives and leads special projects. Leads process improvements, development of standard operating procedures, and assessments to identify what services need to be developed or elaborated to support research growth.
• Develop and conduct customized educational seminars, services, and workshops for RIT faculty and staff targeting specific skills needed for applying for external funding such as budget creation, locating funding opportunities, managing projects, and technical writing.
• Serves as backup to the Director in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 6 years of related experience
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to review edit proposals for content and compliance issues.
• Skill in budget development.
• Familiarity with contractual terminology
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to learn and effectively use award management software and related sponsor systems
• Effective and efficient writing and communication skills
• Ability to adapt to continuously changing sponsor guidelines, regulations, policies, and systems
• Expert knowledge of sponsor agencies and their requirements
• Ability to train, mentor, and serve as resource to less experience staff.
• Skill in developing new training opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree and/or CRA certification are strongly preferred.

Work Location

Hybrid — Remote/On-campus

Employment Category

Fulltime

Required Application Documents

Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, List of References

What do we believe at RIT?

Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. We are dedicated to building a diverse community, one where employees feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring.

As a member of the RIT community, you’ll receive a comprehensive employee benefits package that offers multiple options and access to additional employment advantages. You can tailor your benefit elections to meet your needs (affordable medical/dental/vision benefits; paid vacation/sick time/retirement saving plan with exceptional employer match; and tuition assistance for you and your family, to name a few).

How To Apply

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply for it at: http://careers.rit.edu/internal .  Click the link for search openings and in the keyword search field, enter the title of the position or the BR number.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS’s Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT does not discriminate. RIT promotes and values diversity, pluralism and inclusion in the work place. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Hourly/Salary Minimum

68800

Hourly/Salary Maximum

115200