Proposal and Contracting Specialist

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a Sponsored Research Specialist to identify and cultivate sponsored funding opportunities, coordinate with faculty and external partners, and support compliant proposal development through post-award activities.

The role collaborates with the Office of Sponsored Research Services to promote strategic partnerships, ensure compliance, and expand engagement across RIT research programs. On-campus work location in Rochester, NY.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Experience with sponsored research processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Creates materials for research grant proposals including budgets 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.
• Audits materials to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Assists in planning and managing events in support of grant-funded objectives.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Effective communication

Stakeholder relationships

Research funding knowledge

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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

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 or 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. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.