Proposal Development Specialist or Coordinator

University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee and dependent scholarship

Job summary

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Proposal Development Specialist or Coordinator to edit grant proposals for individuals or small teams and to support colleagues developing large, collaborative submissions. The role blends editorial work with coordinating complex proposals within a research-university setting.

The position emphasizes strong writing, editing, and communication skills, plus experience in grant development and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a university

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications or a related field.
• Excellent writing and editing abilities with strong interpersonal communication.
• Experience writing and editing grant proposals in public or private sectors.
• University setting experience preferred; deadline-driven project management.
• For Coordinator, Master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Edit single investigator and small group grant proposals.
• Provide editorial support for colleagues developing large, complex proposals.
• Coordinate development of large-scale, collaborative proposals.
• Support UNL faculty, staff, and administrators with proposal development.

Skills

Grant writing

Editing

Academic writing

MS Office

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a relevant field

Master’s degree preferred for Coordinator

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Proposal Development Specialist or Coordinator

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Working Title Proposal Development Specialist or Coordinator

Department

Department Research Development-13276

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260913

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 11/13/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 11/30/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Office of Research and Innovation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln ( UNL ) is committed to promoting a culture and environment for success in research, scholarship, creative endeavors, and economic development. Conducting novel and impactful research that generates new knowledge, solves real-world problems, and enhances lives is among the most fundamental purposes of the institution.
The Office of Proposal Development seeks to hire a Proposal Development professional at one of two levels: Specialist or Coordinator. This position joins a team of research development professionals to provide comprehensive proposal development assistance to UNL faculty, staff, and administrators.
The primary responsibilities of the proposal development specialist and coordinator are to edit single investigator and small group grant proposals and provide editorial support for colleagues developing large, complex proposals. In addition, the proposal development coordinator also manages the development of large-scale, collaborative proposals.
About Us:
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a relevant scientific discipline.
• Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a relevant scientific discipline plus three years of demonstrated experience writing and/or editing grant proposals in the public or private sector.
• Excellent writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and independently make decisions in a deadline-driven environment.

Proposal Development Specialist:
Demonstrated experience writing and/or editing grant proposals in the public or private sector.
Proposal Development Coordinator:
Master’s degree preferred.Professional experience in a university setting.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Posted Salary Negotiable based on qualifications and experience

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
[e-mail]

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience with writing and editing.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you interested in the Coordinator level position
  • YES
  • NO
• If answered “Yes” to question 2, please describe your three years of experience writing and/or editing grant proposals.

  (Open Ended Question)