Grants & Research Development Specialist

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian Mission of ACU.

The Division of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities at Abilene Christian University seeks a Research Development Officer (RDO). The RDO is responsible for working directly with faculty and staff across ACU campuses in both Abilene and Dallas, TX to promote research, scholarship, and creative activities. The RDO identifies and advances strategic external funding opportunities aligned with the university’s research priorities and mission.

This position requires a high-level of independence, strategic thinking, and the ability to work across disciplines and organizational levels.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with faculty to develop competitive external funding proposals

• Analyze funding opportunity announcements and identify alignment with faculty expertise

• Translate research and program concepts into compelling proposal narratives

• Consult with faculty and staff in proposal preparation and strategy

• Draft and edit non-technical sections of proposals as appropriate

• Coordinate resources and personnel to support proposal development

• Develop project timelines; manage complex, multi-PI proposal development processes

• Edit, critique, and strengthen proposal drafts for competitiveness

• Review unfunded proposals and support resubmission strategies

• Promote and support faculty applications to prestigious and highly prestigious fellowships, awards, and honors

• Provide individualized guidance to enhance faculty competitiveness and research trajectories

• Support the Vice President for Research in developing and implementing strategic research initiatives

• Develop and advance research programs aligned with institutional priorities

• Facilitate transdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations

• Identify and cultivate strategic external partnerships

• Advise faculty on strategies to strengthen competitiveness for external funding

• Maintain current knowledge of federal and state sponsor regulations, policies, and trends

• Monitor changes in sponsor priorities and compliance expectations

• Apply best practices in research development and proposal strategy

• Design and deliver workshops, seminars, and training related to proposal development and funding opportunities

• Promote interdisciplinary research through targeted programming

• Collaborate across university offices to support integrated proposal development