Proposal Development Specialist

Proposal Development Specialist

Office of Research / University Research Centers, Research & Economic Development, Georgia State University

The University Research Centers (URCs) at Georgia State University conduct a variety of research involving translational research in neuroimaging, behavior neuroscience, diagnostic technology, neuroinflammation and cardiometabolic diseases, and other areas. The Centers involve faculty from a variety of colleges and departments on campus. Their research is funded primarily by federal agencies and not-for-profit organizations and continues to expand each year. The URC researchers brought in over $30 million in sponsored funding during Fiscal Year 2024.

We strive to create an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence. This position will join the team of research administrators and supervisors supporting the URCs.

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship.
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting.

The Proposal Development Specialist provides direct, hands‑on support to faculty in developing competitive external funding proposals, with a primary focus on proposal strategy, writing support, and submission readiness. Additionally, this position contributes to institutional research growth by supporting internal grant recipients in advancing projects toward external funding.

This role is faculty-facing and execution-oriented, with an emphasis on improving proposal quality and competitiveness rather than administrative processing.

• Faculty Proposal Development
  • Work directly with faculty to develop external grant proposals from early concept through submission.
  • Provide substantive editing and feedback on proposal narratives, including clarity, structure, and alignment with sponsor priorities.
  • Guide faculty on positioning, framing, and responsiveness to funding opportunity announcements.
• Grantsmanship Training
  • Provide targeted coaching for early-career investigators and resubmissions.
  • Create and update resources such as templates, guides, and examples.
  • Partner with internal stakeholders on targeted grantsmanship training and sponsor‑specific resource creation.
• Research Funding Pipeline Development
  • Support the development of a robust pipeline of projects advancing toward external funding, including internal grant recipients, high‑scoring unfunded proposals, and emerging faculty‑led ideas.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and track upcoming funding opportunities that align with strategic priorities.

• Ability to solve problems, exercise judgement & make decisions with little assistance from the supervisor.
• Familiarity with tools and databases for managing grant funds regulations.
• Knowledge of federal and sponsor guidelines.
• Proficiency in creating and formatting financial templates and proposals.

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

• At least one year of research development experience.
• Strong writing and editing skills, especially for technical and academic content.

Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range.

Location:

Atlanta Campus