Proposal Development Specialist Ii

Description:

Utah State University (USU) Cooperative Extension (Extension) is seeking applications for a Proposal Development Specialist II. The Proposal Development Specialist II will help Extension faculty and teams develop competitive proposals by providing comprehensive proposal development support services. Proposal development support services include, funding opportunity analysis, project management (e.g., proposal development schedule), writing support (e.g., create narrative templates, edit narrative drafts, draft supplementary/ancillary proposal documents), and budget development support (Kuali entry).

Extension faculty have varying degrees of familiarity with the proposal development process. Therefore, the successful applicant will provide proposal development training, especially for county-based Extension faculty. The position requires a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent organizational, time management, communication (writing and oral), and relationship building skills.

Extension is the outreach arm of USU with offices serving Utah residents in every county (extension.usu.edu). Annually, Extension secures millions of dollars in external grants and contracts. By improving the quality and competitiveness of proposals, the Proposal Development Specialist II will help Extension faculty secure outside funding for their programs and enhance Extension’s funding portfolio.

On-going employment is contingent upon performance, need, and availability of funding. This position reports to the Director of the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Department. Location is negotiable. Anticipated start date for this position is June 16, 2025.

Responsibilities
 

• Help faculty articulate their ideas to develop competitive proposals
• Identify potential funding opportunities and work with faculty to develop competitive responses
• Help develop networks with Extension faculty and other University researchers
• Work with Extension faculty to develop and edit proposal content, including budgets
• Edit material for structure, completeness, accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness of content, as well as grammar and readability
• Develop or refine organizational boilerplate materials and develop new content to assist faculty in proposal writing
• Help increase proposal development knowledge and writing skills of Extension faculty through training and other support activities
• Prepare, manage, and submit proposals in a timely manner, working closely with Sponsored Programs and other university compliance offices
• Work closely and collaboratively with the staff of the Research Development Division of the Office of Research
   

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
 

• Six years of related work experience OR a Bachelor’s degree plus two years of related work experience OR a Master’s degree, OR an equivalent combination of education plus experience is required
• Experience writing, coordinating, and managing proposals to federal, state, or private funding sources
• Advanced proficiency in MS Word and Excel, and basic working proficiency in PowerPoint
• Flexibility, versatility, and ability to work multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Ability to facilitate proposal development by faculty with diverse backgrounds and experience across departmental, disciplinary, and institutional boundaries