RAO Research and Proposal Development Manager

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

2d•$85,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Acceleration Office (RAO) Research and Proposal Development Manager provides strategic research development guidance and project management to support the Colorado State University research community. The role supports broad research development activities, including complex and strategic proposal development, limited submission proposals, and interdisciplinary or strategic research initiatives. It focuses on strengthening proposals, connecting collaborators, and empowering faculty. The manager helps develop competitive proposals by identifying funding sources, building and organizing research teams and external partnerships, analyzing faculty interests and collaboration opportunities, synthesizing research concepts, and engaging with agency sponsors. The role also assists with coordinating interdisciplinary and strategic initiatives. It is supported through the Office of the Vice President for Research and reports to the RAO Director. This is a 12-month, full-time appointment based in Fort Collins, expected to be onsite/in person, with potential for hybrid work depending on the candidate’s experience. Limited teleworking privileges may be available. The position requires authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship. The salary range is $85,000–$105,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of experience in research development, including proposal development, proposal writing, research administration, project management, business development, or a closely related field.
Experience managing and supporting the strategic development of successful complex proposals.
Ability to understand and explain complex proposal requirements and related strategies for improving competitiveness.
Familiarity with sponsoring agencies and proposal submission systems.
Experience supporting team science proposal development, including complex multi-investigator proposals to one or more major federal agencies.
Experience developing and implementing research development strategic initiatives and support programs.
Demonstrated relationship-building or partnership-building experience with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, investigators, partner organizations, and sponsoring agencies.
Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, preferably in a STEM discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in research development, including proposal development, proposal writing, research administration, project management, business development, or a closely related field.
Professional experience in an academic environment.
Familiarity with or participation in professional organizations or networks for research development, research administration, or team science.
Experience facilitating the identification and development of interdisciplinary teams, including external partners or stakeholders.
Experience with technical writing.
Experience with data analytics and related software or tools for competitive intelligence.
Experience developing projects requiring high detail and adherence to strict deadlines.
Experience in roles involving significant independence and responsibility.

Responsibilities

Provide expertise and guidance to faculty and research teams on complex and strategic proposal development, including interpreting sponsor guidelines and advising on fit, competitiveness, and compliance.
Create, edit, and manage proposal materials, including project descriptions, personnel documents, management plans, and budgets.
Coordinate letters of support and collaboration, sub-recipient communications, proposal evaluations, institutional support needs, application submissions, and evidence of partner buy-in.
Project-manage large and complex proposal efforts by organizing team meetings, managing virtual workspaces, developing schedules, and monitoring progress.
Develop knowledge of CSU’s research expertise and capabilities to identify and facilitate collaboration and partnership opportunities.
Build relationships with internal and external collaborators, partners, and stakeholders, coordinating with RAO colleagues and university offices, departments, and colleges to share information and provide effective support.
Analyze faculty research interests and strengths to facilitate interdisciplinary teams and identify appropriate funding sources, while maintaining familiarity with sponsor trends.
Research external funding sources and build relationships with federal funding agencies.
Help coordinate new and ongoing interdisciplinary strategic research programs and initiatives by facilitating working groups in emerging investment areas.
Participate in developing and delivering research and proposal development training workshops.