Specialist - Outreach

Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist

Building on Michigan State University's longstanding commitment to global engagement, the Global Research Office within International Studies and Programs (ISP) supports faculty and partners in securing external funding for innovative research, capacity-building, and development initiatives around the world. Through collaboration with U.S. government agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors, Global Research helps transform ideas into impactful programs that address complex global challenges.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships, the Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist serves as ISP's lead proposal development professional. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, administrators, and external partners to identify funding opportunities, shape competitive funding strategies, coordinate interdisciplinary proposal teams, and develop compelling submissions for federal agencies, foundations, and other sponsors. This position requires a highly collaborative professional who can guide complex proposals from concept development through submission, strengthen proposal quality through substantive review and editing, and help position ISP for long-term funding success across a broad range of disciplines and thematic areas.

Work Location and In-Person Expectations

While ISP currently operates under a hybrid work structure, the position requires a substantial on-campus presence to facilitate collaboration with faculty, administrators, and proposal teams across the university.

Candidates should expect to work in person on campus a minimum of three days per week, with additional in-person engagement required during periods of intensive proposal development. This is not a fully remote position.

Salary Range

Salary commensurate with experience. Expected initial salary range: $80,000–$95,000 annually, with a comprehensive university benefits package.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Proposal Strategy, Development, and Management (70%)

• Lead the development of competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors
• Collaborate with faculty, research teams, and institutional partners to shape project concepts and develop funding strategies
• Facilitate interdisciplinary proposal teams and coordinate proposal development processes from concept through submission
• Draft, edit, and integrate proposal narratives, executive summaries, concept notes, letters of intent, white papers, and full proposals
• Translate technical and scholarly content into clear, persuasive, and funder-centered language
• Conduct proposal reviews and provide substantive feedback to improve proposal quality, competitiveness, and alignment with sponsor priorities
• Coordinate with the ISP Dean's Office Research Administrator and other university offices throughout the proposal development process
• Support reporting, communications, and strategic initiatives of the Global Research Office.

Strategic Funding Development and Institutional Leadership (30%)

• Identify and analyze funding opportunities relevant to ISP faculty and strategic priorities
• Serve as a resource to faculty and staff on proposal development best practices and funding trends
• Build relationships with funding organizations and external partners when appropriate
• Contribute to strategic planning efforts related to external funding, research growth, and global partnerships

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.

Required Degree

Masters
-Any field relevant to the duties of the position

Minimum Requirements

• Three or more years of professional experience in proposal development, grant writing, research development, business development, capture strategy, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience developing competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, or other major external sponsors
• Exceptional writing, editing, and synthesis skills, including the ability to transform complex technical content into compelling narratives
• Experience coordinating large, interdisciplinary teams under demanding deadlines
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills
• Ability to work effectively across a broad range of academic, research, and programmatic areas

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting large-scale, complex, or multi-partner proposals
• Familiarity with federal funding agencies, philanthropic foundations, and international funding organizations
• Knowledge of research development best practices and proposal strategy methodologies
• Experience developing proposal development resources,…