Grant-Focused Research Development Strategist

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

ECO Pass for local transit

Limited relocation funds

Job summary

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO) invites applications for a Research Development Specialist within the Research Strategy & Development team. The role helps researchers identify and pursue external funding, combining proposal strategy, funding intelligence, and faculty consultation in a dynamic research environment.

This is a two-year, term-limited appointment with a hybrid work arrangement (1–3 days on campus).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 1+ years of experience in research development, grant writing, faculty research support, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated strength in writing, editing, analysis, project management, and working collaboratively with a variety of partners.

Responsibilities

• Advise faculty and research teams on proposal strategy from early concept development through submission.
• Review and strengthen proposal narratives and concept papers for responsiveness to sponsor priorities and review criteria, with emphasis on clarity, significance, innovation, approach, outcomes, and impact.
• Develop or strengthen non-technical proposal sections and help teams plan proposal timelines and next steps, as appropriate.
• Provide direct, constructive feedback that improves persuasiveness, organization, and funder fit.
• Partner with RIO colleagues on large-scale, interdisciplinary, limited-submission, and other high-priority pursuits, including editorial support for complex proposals.
• Use and evaluate AI and other emerging tools thoughtfully, with attention to sponsor requirements, institutional expectations, confidentiality, accuracy, attribution, and the continued importance of human expertise and judgment.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Colorado Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO) invites applications for a Research Development Specialist within the Research Strategy & Development team. The role helps researchers identify and pursue external funding, combining proposal strategy, funding intelligence, and faculty consultation in a dynamic research environment.

This is a two-year, term-limited appointment with a hybrid work arrangement (1–3 days on campus).