Research Development Specialist

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Type of Position: Professional Staff (Non-Classified) Workstudy Position: No Job Type: Regular Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: No Institution Name: Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at . For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at or . Department: Admin Assist Director 02 Department's Website: Summary of Job Duties: The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) is seeking a Research Development Specialist to assist investigators with strategic positioning, project development, and proposal preparation activities with the goal of increasing the number and quality of funding submissions to a variety of external sponsors. The Research Development Specialist will develop and facilitate activities and resources to encourage and support innovative interdisciplinary research and discoveries facilitating the mission developing and expanding key research priorities of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES). The person in this position will lead development of basic to complex proposals with minimal direct oversight under the supervision of an AES Assistant Director. The successful candidate will be a strategic asset for identifying appropriate funding opportunities, design and preparation of competitive funding proposals, team building and management, and grantsmanship education for grant-seeking faculty, staff, and research support personnel. Leading proposal development for large and strategic interdisciplinary research activities, providing training and consultation with faculty on research proposals, and providing content and editing for large, multi-disciplinary research proposals are emphasized. The successful candidate will support the roll-out of campus-wide Research Development initiatives as needed and will subscribe to and support our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Duties and Responsibilities: Proposal management: 1. Serve as a primary proposal development manager for proposals ranging in size and complexity, working with individuals at all levels in the proposal development process (e.g., other research development liaisons, departmental grant managers) to ensure successful integration of all grant application components and full compliance with all funding program and sponsor requirements. 2. Independently research and disseminate information about grant programs, sponsors, agencies, and potential collaborators via targeted and standard communications with faculty and researchers. Serve as a liaison to sponsors and related agencies by establishing professional contacts with program officers, attending technical assistance sessions, and obtaining information on trends, opportunities and changes related to funding opportunity. Use this information to strategize development of proposals. 3. Assist with initiating, recruiting and supporting teams for projects and proposals that are strategically important to the institution, such as mid-scale proposals, planning grants, and other mechanisms that serve as steppingstones to future large-scale proposals in priority areas. Grant writing: 4. Edit proposals and write or provide writing support for complex and individual grant applications; provide comprehensive editorial review of all sections; provide subject matter expertise for proposal development, when applicable; and independently advise investigators on proposal strategy, content, and organization. Training and professional management: 5. Plan, prepare, and present a wide variety of educational and training programs and workshops to strengthen the capacity of prospective applicants and research administration personnel to develop high quality proposals. 6. Assist with the development, maintenance and connection of faculty to toolkits and other quality proposal development resource materials including detailed proposal outlines in conformance with solicitations, templates, guidance, and samples for standardized proposal components to the extent possible. Qualifications: Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalency Demonstrated experience working successfully in a service-oriented position 3-5 years of experience in extramural grant and contracts and at least 2 years developing or writing research proposals in institution(s) of higher education. Preferred qualifications: MS, MA, or MBA from an accredited institution of higher education Demonstrated successful experience in research development with proven record of funded projects More than five years' experience with progressive responsibility for research development activities, including significant editing and advising responsibilities, and coordination of multi-organizational projects at all phases of project and proposal development Evidence of having achieved a positive impact in a previous role, for example statistics tracking enhanced faculty engagement in collaborative activities, increased grant applications, higher percentage of grants funded, etc. Active membership and engagement with one or more research administration or development organizations and/or Research Administrator Certification. Skills Demonstrated successful experience in proposal writing and project management. Strong personal initiative, service-orientation, and willingness to perform tasks that range from strategic to detail-oriented. Ability to work with and motivate diverse clientele and coordinate activities for a team. Excellent written communication skills. Demonstrated experience organizing, analyzing, and interpreting complex or technical data to translate and explain technical information to a broad range of audiences. Excellent presentation skills in designing, creating and presenting high quality educational and informational resources. Ability to positively interface with various constituencies of the university community, including faculty and staff, grants office personnel, and sponsors on issues in a cooperative, responsible manner. Proficiency with relevant software and management of database information, including experience with funder-specific and federal technology resources and platforms. Ability to multi-task and work calmly and efficiently under pressure of deadlines. Skilled in conflict-resolution. Innovative and creative problem solver with ability to identify, propose and develop new ideas and processes. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional Information: Salary Information: Commensurate with Education and Experience Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s), Writing Sample Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Recruitment Contact Information: Dr. Jean-Francois Meullenet, All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Motor Vehicle Reports Check The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability . click apply for full job details