Grants Development & Research Specialist

University of Arkansas System•Pine Bluff, AR

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Grants Development & Research Specialist provides program-wide grant development, proposal submission, and research support across all initiatives of the 15% Set-Aside Programs at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), including the Minority Research Center (MRC), Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office (MISRGO), and Graduate Addiction Studies Program (GASP). This position identifies funding opportunities; develops and writes competitive grant proposals and funding initiatives; and assists team members in preparing and submitting proposals through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) (federal grants) and Institutional Advancement (i.e. private foundation grants), ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal agency guidelines, deadlines, and reporting requirements. In addition, this position serves as the program's researcher, gathering and synthesizing data, literature, and journal findings on tobacco use, tobacco prevention and cessation, substance use disorders, and minority health disparities to inform proposal development and program strategy across MRC, MISRGO, and GASP. This role plays a critical part in expanding external funding, strengthening program sustainability, and supporting research, education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives that address tobacco use, substance use disorders, tobacco prevention and cessation, minority health disparities, and public health challenges as it relates to tobacco use throughout Arkansas. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the program directors, university leadership, faculty, researchers, administrative staff, community-based organizations, public health partners, and funding agencies to expand and secure funding and strengthen its impact to advance tobacco prevention and cessation initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Research Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, English, Business Administration, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of experience in grant writing, grant management, program administration, research administration, or nonprofit development.
Knowledge of public health, tobacco control, addiction services, or minority health initiatives.
Demonstrated success in developing, submitting, and securing grant proposals.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
Experience developing budgets and evaluation plans.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic grants management systems.
Ability to analyze data, evaluate programs, and prepare accurate reports.
Attention to detail and deadline management.
Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Experience conducting research and literature reviews using academic databases, journals, and other credible sources to inform proposals and reports.
Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, participate in required weekly virtual meetings, and travel to Arkansas at least one week per quarter.
Applicant must reside within the United States and be able to travel domestically as required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Research Administration, Communications, Nonprofit Management, English, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience with public health and community-based grant programs.
Knowledge of community-based participatory research, health disparities research, and tobacco prevention and cessation strategies.
Experience working with underserved and minority populations.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local application processes.
Experience or desire to work with diverse teams of faculty researchers and staff
Familiarity with state and federal grant compliance requirements.
Grant Professional Certification (GPC) or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.

Responsibilities

Network, research, identify, and pursue funding opportunities from federal, state, local, and private funding sources.
Assist Principal Investigators with proposal planning, timelines, and required documentation.
Assist team members across MISRGO, MRC, and GASP with preparing and submitting proposals through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and Institutional Advancement, including private foundation grants.
Collaborate with program staff to develop measurable goals, objectives and evaluation plans.
Prepare submission of high-quality competitive grant proposals, applications, budgets, and supporting documentation.
Develop compelling narratives that align with programs’ missions, public health priorities and organizational objectives.
Coordinate proposal development activities with internal and external stakeholders.
Cultivate partnerships with funding agencies and community organizations focused on reducing tobacco use and health disparities in Arkansas.
Analyze programs data to demonstrate impact and support funding requests.
Serve as the program's researcher: research and synthesize data, statistics, and peer-reviewed journal literature on tobacco use, tobacco prevention and cessation, substance use disorders, and minority health disparities to inform proposal narratives, program design, and reporting.
Monitor emerging research, trends, and best practices across program focus areas and share relevant findings with program directors and staff.