Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

Outreach-Fixed Term•East Lansing, MI

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Building on Michigan State University's longstanding commitment to global engagement, the Global Research Office within International Studies and Programs (ISP) supports faculty and partners in securing external funding for innovative research, capacity-building, and development initiatives around the world. Through collaboration with U.S. government agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors, Global Research helps transform ideas into impactful programs that address complex global challenges. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships, the Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist serves as ISP's lead proposal development professional. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, administrators, and external partners to identify funding opportunities, shape competitive funding strategies, coordinate interdisciplinary proposal teams, and develop compelling submissions for federal agencies, foundations, and other sponsors. This position requires a highly collaborative professional who can guide complex proposals from concept development through submission, strengthen proposal quality through substantive review and editing, and help position ISP for long-term funding success across a broad range of disciplines and thematic areas.

Requirements

Three or more years of professional experience in proposal development, grant writing, research development, business development, capture strategy, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated experience developing competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, or other major external sponsors
Exceptional writing, editing, and synthesis skills, including the ability to transform complex technical content into compelling narratives
Experience coordinating large, interdisciplinary teams under demanding deadlines
Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills
Ability to work effectively across a broad range of academic, research, and programmatic areas

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting large-scale, complex, or multi-partner proposals
Familiarity with federal funding agencies, philanthropic foundations, and international funding organizations
Knowledge of research development best practices and proposal strategy methodologies
Experience developing proposal development resources, trainings, or workshops

Responsibilities

Lead the development of competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors
Collaborate with faculty, research teams, and institutional partners to shape project concepts and develop funding strategies
Facilitate interdisciplinary proposal teams and coordinate proposal development processes from concept through submission
Draft, edit, and integrate proposal narratives, executive summaries, concept notes, letters of intent, white papers, and full proposals
Translate technical and scholarly content into clear, persuasive, and funder-centered language
Conduct proposal reviews and provide substantive feedback to improve proposal quality, competitiveness, and alignment with sponsor priorities
Coordinate with the ISP Dean's Office Research Administrator and other university offices throughout the proposal development process
Support reporting, communications, and strategic initiatives of the Global Research Office.
Identify and analyze funding opportunities relevant to ISP faculty and strategic priorities
Serve as a resource to faculty and staff on proposal development best practices and funding trends
Build relationships with funding organizations and external partners when appropriate
Contribute to strategic planning efforts related to external funding, research growth, and global partnerships