Research Development Specialist; Humanities, Arts & Interpretative Social Sci

Stanford University is one of the world's premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Silicon Valley employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.

The Stanford Research Development Office (RDO) is a new, central research development office, housed within the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Research (VPDoR) and led by the Director of Research Development. VPDoR provides guidance and support to facilitate, nurture, and safeguard a thriving research ecosystem. Within this framework, the newly founded RDO aims to strengthen competitiveness of proposals by Stanford faculty for collaborative or strategic research and scholarly or artistic activities through support for project-opportunity alignment, early preparation, and proposal development.

With a focus on the concept/narrative side of the proposal, RDO complements other pre-award services such as budget development by local research administration support and compliance review and submission by the Office of Sponsored Research. RDO supports PIs from across the University, with an emphasis on strategic or complex proposals (within the context of the application's field or unit).

Join us at RDO as we build a team of 5-6 collaborative, talented and dedicated staff from the ground up. This is an exciting time for Research Development (RD) at Stanford, with a unique opportunity to help shape the direction of our office. We aim to sustain a culture of integrity and operational excellence. We operate on the basis of accountability, collaboration, empowerment, equity and inclusion, growth and adaptability, and open communication.

Our VPDoR Diversity Journey:

• We create a hub of innovation through the power of diversity of disciplines and people.
• We provide equitable access and opportunity to all members of the community in order to do their best work, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• We listen to and value all colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the advancement and development of a respectful community.
• We promote a culture of belonging, equity, and safety.
• We embed these values in excellence of education, research, and operation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are hiring one (1), full time (100% FTE), fixed term Research Development Specialist for three (3) years. Although not guaranteed, there will be potential for an extension/renewal following the initial 3 years contingent upon additional funding commitments and/or programmatic needs.

The Research Development (RD) Specialist will support applications for funding by faculty and teams from across the University, with a focus on proposals in the fields of the Humanities, Arts and Interpretative Social Sciences.

As we build up the Stanford Research Development Office (RDO), you will have the opportunity to help define and fine-tune our programs, processes, and activities. Under the general direction of the Director of Research Development, you will have a crucial role in creating RD activities and resources  will support Principal Investigators (PIs) and proposals teams in the development of responsive and competitive proposals for funding through grantsmanship, consultations, and project management.

You will also have a central role in facilitating early preparation and concept or team formation for strategic opportunities. This may include workshops, networking events, funding opportunity dissemination, written guides and resources, and more.

This position is a unique blend of a central office position with a topical emphasis area in which to build deeper content knowledge and closer relationships. As such, the RD Specialist will work closely with faculty and staff at Stanford - in particular with those at the Stanford Humanities Center, the Center for Spatial and Textual Analysis (CESTA), and in departments and institutes in the topical focus area - and at collaborating institutions, as well as with colleagues within RDO and VPDoR.

This position thrives through a skilled approach, a collaborative spirit, a solution-oriented attitude, and a willingness to go the extra mile.

IN THIS POSITION YOU WILL:

• Provide individualized grantsmanship advice, writing and editing support, and project management assistance/expertise to faculty and proposal teams from across the University, with emphasis on those in the Humanities, Arts and Interpretative Social Sciences. In consultation with the Director, provide level and type(s) of support to best meet the needs of the PI or proposal team and maximize RDO's impact:
  • Analyze sponsor guidelines and past awards to advise the PI on sponsor expectations and help guide responsive concept…