Specialist - Outreach

Working/Functional Title

Proposal Strategist

Position Summary

Building on the university’s significant history of commitment and accomplishments in global engagement, the Proposal Strategist affiliated with the Global Research Office within International Studies and Programs will collaborate in the development, design, and delivery of high-quality proposals.

Innovating, creating, learning, anticipating the future:
The Global Research Office presents a novel higher education model for international research and development. Global Research will provide expertise and resources to facilitate access to funding from the U.S. government, philanthropic foundations, bilateral and multilateral organizations, foreign governments, and non‑profit and for‑profit entities. Ultimately, linkages among MSU faculty, collaborating partners, and the broader international community will serve as a conduit for co‑creation of high‑quality programming, groundbreaking research, and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships, the Proposal Strategist will be responsible for comprehensive proposal support, concept shaping, narrative development, and editing for international proposal development within International Studies and Programs.

Hybrid work statement
:
The department is currently operating under a hybrid modality structure, with staff working three days in person and two days remotely. This structure is subject to change at any time.

Provide technical direction, support, and oversight for International Studies and Programs international proposals (70%)

• Lead and/or contribute expertise of international proposal efforts ensuring that global best practices, research, and approaches are incorporated into design
• Draft and edit concept notes, LOI’s, and full proposals
• Ensure that proposals are measuring and achieving their intended impact and are compliant with donor and MSU policies
• Translate technical content into clear, outcome‑oriented language
• Coordinate with ISP Dean’s Office Research Administrator for adherence to required proposals
• Maintain a repository of all proposals for content and success stories
• Support the Global Research Office within International Studies and Programs for communications and reporting

Provide leadership on international funding in a higher education context (30%)

• Provide leadership as a point of contact for external agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other non‑profit entities
• Serve as a campus‑wide, national, and/or international resource for international proposal development best practice and scholarship by generating scholarly outputs, internal tools and resources, and/or informational briefings on conference platforms

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Master’s – International development, communications or related field

• Master’s degree or equivalent in international development, communications, or other related field of study
• 3+ years of experience in research development, proposal writing, or project design
• Excellent writing, editing, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines across interdisciplinary teams

• Understanding of both philanthropic and federal funding frameworks

CV, cover letter and writing sample

Review of Applications Begins On: 02/16/2026

Website: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach at Michigan State University.

Michigan State University has been intentionally global for more than 60 years and is known worldwide as a top research university. It is home to renowned scholars and scientists from around the globe and a vibrant and diverse community of undergraduates and graduate students.…