Grant Development Specialist

Are you passionate about advancing research and supporting innovative projects? Join our team at South Dakota State University as a Grant Development Specialist. In this vital role, you will help researchers get external funding for their projects and contribute to the growth of SDSU research, scholarship, and creative activity. If you are eager to foster innovation and collaboration, and promote research that makes a difference locally, nationally, and globally, we want to hear from you.

This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota OR remotely within the state of South Dakota and is a 12 month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

The Division of Research and Economic Development plays a central role in advancing faculty expertise to solve real-world challenges and promote economic development. SDSU is recognized for its leadership in areas such as bioprocessing, precision agriculture, and remote sensing, and is home to several prominent research centers and partnerships, including the POET Bioproducts Center and three state research centers focused on drug delivery, biologics, and translational biosystems.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative ( AOR ) with authority to submit grant applications to select federal agencies on behalf of South Dakota State University, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Facilitate collaboration among multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary teams and provide grant preparation support for large, multi-unit applications and proposals originating from central administration or support units.
• Develop and deliver resources, programs, and trainings that strengthen SDSU researchers’ ability to secure external funding and effectively advocate for their work.
• Communicate and coordinate grant development resources and activities with College Grant Coordinators and Specialists to ensure consistency and alignment across the university.
• Manage and promote limited submission opportunities, internal funding programs, and grant prospecting resources to support faculty and staff success.

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field ( STEM , Communication, English, or related) completed by start date;
• At least one year of experience in research development or research administration;
• Experience developing competitive grant application packets for major federal funders ( NSF , NIH , or USDA );
• The ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated capacity to create and implement effective training and development programs and resources;
• The ability to work productively in a team, take initiative, and adapt readily to ambiguity and changing conditions;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Master’s degree in relevant field ( STEM , Communication, English, or related);
• Three or more years of experience in research development;
• Experience in higher education research funding;
• Experience supporting large interdisciplinary research teams with complex proposals; and
• Grant proposal writing experience.

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. :
(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..edu , search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should…