Research Development Strategist

Apply now Job no: 499500
Work type: Non-Classified/Professional
Location: Boise,
Categories: Project Management, Research, Senior-Level, Research and Economic Development

The Research Development Strategist is an integral member of the Center for Research and Creative Activity and a key contributor to the Division of Research and Economic Development’s strategy, priorities, and goals to grow the University’s research enterprise. The strategist partners with faculty and research teams from project ideation to proposal submission, translating complex concepts into clear, competitive proposals for a wide range of funders across federal, foundation, corporate, and industry sponsors, and other external funding organizations.

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex;

analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

95% of the time the Research Development Strategist must:

• Develop, build, and facilitate collaborations with interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams, providing both strategic and tactical support through the entire proposal development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to develop competitive, sponsor-aligned proposals by advising on grantsmanship and positioning strategies, figure design, and reviewing/editing drafts to improve clarity, flow, and persuasiveness.
• Advise faculty on how to plan, prepare, and write highly competitive, technical, and complex research grant proposals, meet often challenging criteria, and acquire best practice knowledge to improve their capability.
• Establish and support projects, partnerships, and initiatives that foster research development capacity building (e.g., team formation, affinity groups, job aids, workshops, panels, and networking events).
• Assist, coordinate, and contribute with the Center of Research and Creative Activity personnel on research development, education and training processes, and project management activities.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve proposal development resources and proposal management systems (e.g., timelines, checklists, requirement matrices, templates).
• Serve as a strategist for various research development initiatives that support the Division’s overall research goals (e.g., seed grant programs, center-scale proposal planning, and strategic partner/sponsor visits).
• Contribute to the Center for Research and Creative Activity's strategic planning, website content, metric tracking and collection, and reporting.

5% of the time the Research Development Strategist must:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Understanding of general grant proposal development processes and best practices in grantsmanship, such as strategic alignment to funding opportunity, strategic feedback on content to strengthen competitiveness and positioning of the proposal, and editing of proposal documents.
• Demonstrated success supporting large, interdisciplinary, or multi-institutional research proposals.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Understanding of funding agency proposal review criteria and peer review processes, including an understanding of the expectations, timelines, formats, and processes.
• Ability to effectively problem solve and diffuse tense situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of specific software used in the preparation of grant proposals.
• Good knowledge of office staff…