Overview

Princeton University seeks a collaborative and innovative individual to fill a newly created position of Research Development Strategist. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research, in the Office of the Dean for Research, this person will build on the success of research development services that focuses on funding strategy and proposal development support for large, multidisciplinary, and center-type federal funding opportunities. In this role, the research development strategist will support faculty, deans, department chairs, and other campus leaders on funding opportunities to support the academic and research mission of the University. The strategist will partner with a campus network of staff who work closely with faculty on grants, sponsored projects, research compliance, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. Competitive applicants will be as comfortable independently managing projects as they are serving on collaborative teams in support roles, utilizing a high level of analytical and communication skill.

Responsibilities

Consultation and Strategy Development

• Strategize with faculty on specific funding opportunities for research initiatives and large, complex, and multi-institutional proposals.
• Work closely with faculty and administrative staff to organize strong teams and effective proposal processes to capitalize on funding opportunities.
• Gather and analyze information on proposal mechanisms, previous awardees, and the potential for success.
• Provide project-management expertise and proposal content for non-technical sections.
• Connect investigators with other relevant activities on campus such as outreach, data management, and diversity and inclusion to support the development of such activities in their proposals.

Mid- to Large-scale Proposal Development

• Partner with faculty on proposal development with a goal of enhancing the competitiveness and potential for securing large-scale federal funding.
• Partner with faculty and teams on mid-scale proposals, planning grants, and other strategically valuable mechanisms that serve as stepping stones to future large-scale proposals in priority areas.
• Provide comprehensive editorial review and analyze proposal drafts to produce a compelling and clear final product that is responsive to the solicitation and the funding agency.  
• Serve as the primary writer or contribute to writing of non-technical sections, and help prepare proposal submission packages in collaboration with other research administrators.

Service-oriented Communications

• Develop a communications strategy for research development services and encourage faculty to partner on projects well in advance of the submission deadline.
• Create communications about research development services and successes, such as web content, email campaigns, brochures, and periodic reports, for dissemination through a variety of channels.
• Prepare qualitative and metric-based analyses on the impacts of research development services.

Coordination of Internal Funding Competitions and Other Duties

• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Research, manage internal funding competitions, including publication of the call for proposals, proposal review, convening review committees, and finalizing committee recommendations.
• Maintain records on submissions, awards, interim and final reports, and trends.
• Other activities and special projects as requested by the Associate Dean for Research or Dean for Research.

Qualifications

• A PhD is preferred; BS or BA degree is required.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including expertise in proposal development and effective internal communications.
• Four or more years of experience working in research development.
• Ability to partner with principal investigators who have different interpersonal styles and work in a wide variety of disciplines.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage competing priorities while consistently delivering results in a timely manner.
• Strong personal initiative, service-orientation, and willingness to perform tasks that range from strategic to detail-oriented.
• Active membership with one or more research administration or research development organizations is preferred.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW

Salary GradeADM, 080Standard Weekly Hours36.25Eligible for OvertimeNoBenefits EligibleYesEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)NoPhysical Capacity Exam RequiredNoValid Driver’s License RequiredNo