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Job Summary/Basic Function:
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The Research Development Strategist is an integral member of the Center for Research and Creative Activity and a key contributor to the Division of Research and Economic Development’s strategy, priorities, and goals to grow the University’s research enterprise. The strategist partners with faculty and research teams from project ideation to proposal submission, translating complex concepts into clear, competitive proposals for a wide range of funders across federal, foundation, corporate, and industry sponsors, and other external funding organizations.
Research Development Strategists bring a service mindset, strong strategic and collaborative skills, experience reviewing and editing complex documents, and the ability to tailor support across sponsors, disciplines, and project types. Transferable skills and experience for this role span grant writing, proposal reviews, consulting, facilitation of large collaborative teams toward a shared goal, and managing complex interdisciplinary projects.
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Level Scope:
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Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.
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Essential Functions:
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95% of the time the Research Development Strategist must:
- Develop, build, and facilitate collaborations with interdisciplinary and cross-institutional teams, providing both strategic and tactical support through the entire proposal development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with faculty and researchers to develop competitive, sponsor-aligned proposals by advising on grantsmanship and positioning strategies, figure design, and reviewing/editing drafts to improve clarity, flow, and persuasiveness.
- Advise faculty on how to plan, prepare, and write highly competitive, technical, and complex research grant proposals, meet often challenging criteria, and acquire best practice knowledge to improve their capability.
- Establish and support projects, partnerships, and initiatives that foster research development capacity building (e.g., team formation, affinity groups, job aids, workshops, panels, and networking events).
- Assist, coordinate, and contribute with the Center of Research and Creative Activity personnel on research development, education and training processes, and project management activities.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve proposal development resources and proposal management systems (e.g., timelines, checklists, requirement matrices, templates).
- Serve as a strategist for various research development initiatives that support the Division’s overall research goals (e.g., seed grant programs, center-scale proposal planning, and strategic partner/sponsor visits).
- Contribute to the Center for Research and Creative Activity's strategic planning, website content, metric tracking and collection, and reporting.
5% of the time the Research Development Strategist must:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
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- Understanding of general grant proposal development processes and best practices in grantsmanship, such as strategic alignment to funding opportunity, strategic feedback on content to strengthen competitiveness and positioning of the proposal, and editing of proposal documents.
- Demonstrated success supporting large, interdisciplinary, or multi-institutional research proposals.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Understanding of funding agency proposal review criteria and peer review processes, including an understanding of the expectations, timelines, formats, and processes.
- Ability to effectively problem solve and diffuse tense situations.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge and experience in the use of specific software used in the preparation of grant proposals.
- Good knowledge of office staff management and support functions.
- Leadership and team management abilities, with a talent for effectively communicating with and motivating interdisciplinary teams.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently and collaboratively.
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Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s or Advanced Degree and 5 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.
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Preferred Qualifications:
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- Advanced knowledge of grant programs, proposal development processes, and expectations of federal agencies and foundations.
- Demonstrated success facilitating large-scale proposals or strategic initiatives within higher education or equivalent organizational settings.
- Experience developing proposal visuals and sponsor-facing graphics (e.g., conceptual models, workflows, timelines, logic models, management plans).
- Project management experience supporting complex, deadline-driven work with multiple stakeholders.
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Salary and Benefits:
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Salary range is $66,705.60 to $83,387.20 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):
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Required Application Materials:
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Resume and cover letter.
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About Us:
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Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.
Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.
Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/
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