Proposal Development Associate

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks:Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

BASIC JOB FUNCTION

Assist faculty in preparation of proposals for funding and/or funding continuation, including individualized advising, organizing, editing, and proofreading of competitive grant and contract proposals, providing grantsmanship resources, advising faculty on federal and non-federal funding opportunities, and coordinating the establishment of faculty teams.

NATURE AND SCOPE

• Analyze sponsor guidelines and past awards to advise the PI on sponsor expectations and help guide responsive grant and contract proposal concept development.
• Manage the entire proposal development process in consultation with the research administrator and PI.
• Provide consulting services on strategic proposal development, including high-level conceptualization to match sponsor priorities; effective team organization, and effective administrative, management, education/outreach and/or data sharing plans to assist investigators in the process of developing competitive proposals.
• Design, develop, and execute training and workshops, oftentimes involving funding agency representatives to increase application competitiveness.
• Assist the Director with the execution of intramural funding programs and limited submission competitions.   
• Assist the Director in facilitating networking, team building, proposal planning, and coordination for large-scale, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-center collaborations.
• Review agency program goals and guidelines to ensure proposals align with both agency and institutional goals and capabilities.
• Convene strategic teams of faculty that are interdisciplinary to create and pursue grant and contract opportunities.
• Maintain information on proposal preparation requirements for relevant federal, state, and local sponsors, private foundations, and industry partners.
• Advise faculty on the development of non-research components of proposals, including broader impacts, management plans, budgets, budget justifications, and other required non-technical proposal requirements.
• Plan, develop and facilitate workshops, meetings, networking sessions or conferences with high impact on program and/or participants.
• Ensure that goals and objectives specified for the funding opportunity are accomplished in accordance with priorities, time and funding limitations, or other specifications.
• Prepare reports on grant and contract development program activities, progress, status, or related special reports for the Director.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES            

• Work with individuals at all levels in the proposal development process (e.g., other research development staff, sponsored research administrators, school/college grant staff) to ensure successful integration of all grant application components and full compliance with all funding program and sponsor requirements.
• Work with the Director to develop templates, toolkits, newsletters, tips,  and other written resource materials to help the Campus community with proposal development.
• Contribute to targeted funding opportunity dissemination.
•   Perform other related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and non-federal sponsors supporting research and education activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Excellent critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, ability to drive decisions, ability to see the big picture and grasp complex interconnections.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to manage an unpredictable and time-sensitive caseload of complex assignments while providing quality service and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize large amounts of data.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and lead teams to achieve desired outcomes.
• Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students, and customers.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate with co-workers

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required. A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• Five to Seven Years of relevant experience or the equivalent is necessary.
• At least four years of experience working on a high-functioning research development team is preferred.
• Higher education, foundation, or federal funding agency experience is strongly preferred.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $72,727 - $80,000