Proposal and Contracting Specialist

Rochester Institute of Technology; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a Sponsored Research Services professional to identify and secure external research funding, cultivate strategic partnerships, and coordinate compliant proposal development. The role focuses on expanding collaboration with sponsors and in-country partners to maximize research impact.

The position requires a bachelor's degree with several years of experience in grant administration, budgeting, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 5 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Creates a broad range of materials for proposal budgets and support letters.
• Assists in growing partnerships with other organizations and universities.
• Serves as liaison with in-country partner institutions and networks.
• Maintains detailed records of correspondence with partner institutions.
• Plans and manages events in support of grant-funded objectives.
• Audits materials for sponsor compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grant regulations knowledge

RIT policies & procedures

Financial & compliance knowledge

Contract management

Effective communication

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

• Partner with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to identify and pursue sponsored research funding opportunities that advance RIT's research mission.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships, and connecting faculty with appropriate sponsors and collaborators.
• Maintain and prioritize a portfolio of funding prospects, industry partners, and research opportunities to maximize engagement and research growth.
• Facilitate collaboration across RIT research programs, leveraging existing strengths to expand interdisciplinary partnerships and build future research capacity.
• Assist faculty in securing corporate and external support for research initiatives, including guidance on intellectual property considerations and partnership development.
• Collaborate closely with Sponsored Research Services and other campus partners to support compliant proposal development, submission, award management, subaward processing, and post-award customer satisfaction.

Position Highlights

• Partner with faculty, researchers, and external stakeholders to identify and pursue sponsored research funding opportunities that advance RIT's research mission.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships by identifying funding opportunities, cultivating relationships, and connecting faculty with appropriate sponsors and collaborators.
• Maintain and prioritize a portfolio of funding prospects, industry partners, and research opportunities to maximize engagement and research growth.
• Facilitate collaboration across RIT research programs, leveraging existing strengths to expand interdisciplinary partnerships and build future research capacity.
• Assist faculty in securing corporate and external support for research initiatives, including guidance on intellectual property considerations and partnership development.
• Collaborate closely with Sponsored Research Services and other campus partners to support compliant proposal development, submission, award management, subaward processing, and post-award customer satisfaction.

Sponsored Research Services

The Office of Sponsored Research Services supports RIT's research enterprise by fostering strategic partnerships, advancing sponsored research opportunities, and ensuring compliance throughout the research lifecycle. The department works collaboratively with faculty, researchers, industry partners, and funding agencies to cultivate new opportunities, secure external funding, and promote innovation. Through expert guidance in proposal development, award administration, subaward management, and research partnerships, the team helps expand RIT's research impact and strengthen its reputation as a leading research university.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Creates a broad range of materials for research grant proposals including budgets, budget justifications, and letters of support
• Assists in creating and growing partnerships with other organizations and universities to display RIT research capabilities
• Serves as liaison between in-country partner institutions, program administrator, and other internal stakeholders. Establishes connections with in-country partner institutions such as universities and incubators
• Maintains detailed records of all correspondence with in-country partner institutions. Makes recommendations to program administrator and other internal stakeholders regarding the most efficient and effective ways to promote successful creation of circular entrepreneurs
• Assists in planning and managing events in support of grant-funded objectives
• Creates and submits proposals and develops requirements document and timeline for preparation of materials. Audits materials to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of state and federal grant/sponsorship laws and regulations and RIT policies and procedures
• Knowledge of RIT research opportunities and programs to effectively navigate and identify opportunities
• Knowledge of financial, procurement, HR, and compliance policies and procedures related to sponsored projects
• Skill in contract management and negotiation
• Skill in effective communication and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, productive relationships with stakeholders, fostering connections that drive business development

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$59,900.00 - $95,800.00 Annual

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.