Proposal and Contracting Specialist

Position Highlights

Partner with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to identify and pursue sponsored research funding opportunities that advance RIT's research mission. Support the development of strategic partnerships by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships, and connecting faculty with appropriate sponsors and collaborators. Maintain and prioritize a portfolio of funding prospects, industry partners, and research opportunities to maximize engagement and research growth. Facilitate collaboration across RIT research programs, leveraging existing strengths to expand interdisciplinary partnerships and build future research capacity.

Assist faculty in securing corporate and external support for research initiatives, including guidance on intellectual property considerations and partnership development. Collaborate closely with Sponsored Research Services and other campus partners to support compliant proposal development, submission, award management, subaward processing, and post-award customer satisfaction.

The Office of Sponsored Research Services supports RIT's research enterprise by fostering strategic partnerships, advancing sponsored research opportunities, and ensuring compliance throughout the research lifecycle. The department works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and funding agencies to cultivate new opportunities, secure external funding, and promote innovation. Through expert guidance in proposal development, award administration, subaward management, and research partnerships, the team helps expand RIT's research impact and strengthen its reputation as a leading research university.

• Creates a broad range of materials for research grant proposals including budgets, budget justifications, and letters of support
• Assists in creating and growing partnerships with other organizations and universities to display RIT research capabilities
• Serves as liaison between in-country partner institutions, program administrator, and other internal stakeholders.
• Establishes connections with in-country partner institutions such as universities and incubators
• Maintains detailed records of all correspondence with in-country partner institutions.
• Makes recommendations to program administrator and other internal stakeholders regarding the most efficient and effective ways to promote successful creation of circular entrepreneurs
• Assists in planning and managing events in support of grant-funded objectives
• Creates and submits proposals and develops requirements document and timeline for preparation of materials.
• Audits materials to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements
• Other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of state and federal grant/sponsorship laws and regulations and RIT policies and procedures
• Knowledge of RIT research opportunities and programs to effectively navigate and identify opportunities
• Knowledge of financial, procurement, HR, and compliance policies and procedures related to sponsored projects
• Skill in contract management and negotiation
• Skill in effective communication and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development

Bachelor's degree in related field; 5 years of relevant experience; equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive…