Proposal and Contracting Specialist

Rochester Institute of Technology•Rochester, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This role partners with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to identify and pursue sponsored research funding opportunities that advance RIT's research mission. It supports the development of strategic partnerships by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships, and connecting faculty with appropriate sponsors and collaborators. The specialist maintains and prioritizes a portfolio of funding prospects, industry partners, and research opportunities to maximize engagement and research growth. They facilitate collaboration across RIT research programs, leveraging existing strengths to expand interdisciplinary partnerships and build future research capacity. The role also assists faculty in securing corporate and external support for research initiatives, including guidance on intellectual property considerations and partnership development. Collaboration with Sponsored Research Services and other campus partners is key to support compliant proposal development, submission, award management, subaward processing, and post-award customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field
5 years of relevant experience
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
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Responsibilities

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