Manager of Research Proposals

ETS is a global leader in education and talent solutions, dedicated to preparing lifelong learners around the world for future success. With over 75 years of experience, we advance measurement science to establish fair and valid assessments across cultures. Our assessments, such as TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE®, and Praxis®, reach millions of learners in over 200 countries. Through our strategic acquisitions, we enhance capabilities in educational technology and assessment.

Through ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we collaborate with educational institutions, governments, and organizations globally to promote skill proficiency and empower upward mobility. We deliver nearly 50 million tests each year, making a powerful impact worldwide. Join us in our mission to measure progress and foster human development.

We are searching for a dynamic and strategic Manager of Research Proposals to lead the proposal process for diverse funding opportunities. This pivotal role will help secure critical resources for innovative projects at the ETS Research Institute and beyond.

• Provide strategic leadership to researchers in navigating funding landscapes and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, especially with NSF, IES, and other key agencies.
• Align proposals with funding priorities by interpreting funding structures and review cultures.
• Encourage collaboration between ETS and external partners to boost proposal and budget development.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices to contribute to the Strategic Research Alliances' strategies.
• Identify and communicate relevant funding opportunities to stimulate strategic proposal submissions.
• Provide insights into funding cycles and program structures to align ETS initiatives with external opportunities.
• Manage a proposal calendar and assign writing tasks based on expertise and workload.
• Oversee a pipeline of approximately 40-60 proposals annually using Salesforce and other management tools.
• Assist in drafting proposals, including boilerplate content, staffing charts, budget justifications, and organizational materials.
• Repurpose technical documentation for future proposals when suitable.

• Edit proposals for clarity, consistency, and adherence to funder requirements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Proactively address compliance issues and inform leadership of risks and solutions.

• Track proposal outcomes and lead post-submission reviews for continuous improvement.
• Provide regular updates on proposal status and maintain RFP distribution lists.

• Draft proposal budgets and narratives in line with ETS best practices.
• Implement enhancements for external proposal platforms.
• Advise leadership on budgetary risks, collaborating with finance teams to monitor project expenses.

• Effective management of a multimillion-dollar portfolio of research grants.
• Assembly of high-performing proposal teams.
• Successful proposals that meet ETS's standards and are recognized as exemplary.
• Grants successfully executed, aligning with funder priorities.
• Protection of ETS's intellectual property in line with our mission.
• Effective communication with funders ensuring satisfaction with grant progress and outcomes.

This influential position offers visibility and an opportunity to lead strategic initiatives while representing ETS to government agencies and foundations. Your leadership will be essential in securing funding to advance research that supports human progress.

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Research Alliances and collaborates with the Strategic Research Alliances team, ETS General Counsel, and Finance departments.

• A Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience are required.
• This role is self-directed and reports to the Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Alliances.
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.
• Ability to exercise significant judgment, technical expertise, and professionalism is…