Research Development Officer

"ASC"•Fullerton, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Manager, Office of Research Development, the Research Development Officer (RDO) supports faculty and staff in developing external grants and contracts for research, scholarship, creative activity, and institutional projects that further California State University, Fullerton’s educational and service mission. The RDO reports administratively to the Office of Research Development and takes daily direction from college leadership. The role is part of a central research support team and coordinates closely with the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), college deans and associate deans, department chairs, University Advancement, and campus administrators to stimulate proposal writing. In addition to supporting faculty and staff proposals, RDOs contribute to campus-wide research development trainings, programs, operations, and strategic planning aimed at increasing research and scholarship. Funding for this position is awarded through a grant or contract for a specified period. Employment beyond the current funding period depends on continued or new grant/contract funding. The position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and two years of related work experience, or the equivalent of at least six years of training and administrative work experience involving the study, analysis, evaluation, development, or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs. Experience in higher education, a research laboratory, a school district, or a government agency is preferred. The role involves prolonged sitting in front of a computer. It may also involve walking, talking, hearing, pulling, bending, handling objects weighing 10–15 pounds, using hands to finger, handle, or feel, reaching, stooping, kneeling, tasting, and smelling. The job is not exposed to extreme noise levels. Benefits listed include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a health care flexible spending plan; long-term disability; vacation and sick leave; holidays; credit union access; tuition reimbursement; and a retirement plan with company match. Benefits are administered according to applicable policies and procedures. A satisfactory background check, including a criminal records check, is required before an offer can be made.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university plus two years of related work experience, or equivalent training and administrative work experience of at least six years involving administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, principles, practices, and techniques relevant to the program or administrative specialty.
Skill in researching, developing, and evaluating policies and programs.
Proficiency with common software, including Microsoft Office, file-sharing software, and collaboration platforms.
Ability to provide proactive customer service throughout the proposal development process.
Ability to accept, use, and suggest collaborative feedback in a creative environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with academic units.
Ability to interpret and translate complex information into accessible content for the appropriate audience.
Ability to guide proposal development to align with sponsoring agency guidelines and strategic goals.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a culturally diverse environment and proactively resolve issues.
High level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
Ability to manage concurrent priorities effectively and efficiently.
Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret data to draw sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with broad administrative impact and implications.
Demonstrated ability to interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in writing or presentations to large and diverse audiences.
Ability to take initiative and plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work amid numerous and diverse demands.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education, a research laboratory, a school district, or a government agency.

Responsibilities

Assist faculty with identifying funding opportunities and analyzing eligibility, fit, and competitiveness.
Provide expert knowledge of the proposal development process for designated colleges and research areas.
Review, critique, and provide constructive feedback on proposal abstracts, narratives, contract statements of work, and pre-award supporting documents, including letters of support and biosketches.
Support the budget development process.
Prepare and manage research grant and contract activities using knowledge of policies and practices of federal, state, private, and nonprofit foundation funders.
Participate in ORSP and college staff meetings.
Work collaboratively with the Office of Grants and Contracts, the Office of Sponsored Programs, University Advancement, and college Directors of Development.
Coordinate pre-proposal efforts through ORSP to support operational effectiveness and continuity.
Contribute to campus-wide research development training, programs, operations, and strategic planning.
Perform other duties as assigned.