Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University seeks a Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist to enhance its research enterprise. This role centers on data-driven proposal development and requires expertise in grant writing, AI technologies, and effective collaboration with faculty.

The ideal candidate will bring over three years of experience in a related field, a Bachelor's degree, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This position is based in West Lafayette, Indiana, and offers opportunities to contribute significantly to Purdue's externally funded proposals.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional experience in grant writing, proposal development, or a closely related function.
• Experience supporting proposal development in higher education or complex organizational environments.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and non-technical information.

Responsibilities

• Advance Purdue's research enterprise through strategic use of data and technology.
• Design and deliver proposal resources and tools for funding opportunities.
• Provide expert guidance on proposal development to faculty.

Skills

Grant writing

Editing

Proposal strategy

AI competency

Data-informed approaches

Project management

Collaboration and communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communication, Science Engineering or a related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist is a research development professional who advances Purdue's research enterprise through the strategic use of data, technology, and artificial intelligence in proposal development. This position operates at the intersection of research strategy, writing, data analysis and faculty relationships, providing expert guidance and tangible deliverables that strengthen the competitiveness of Purdue's externally funded proposals. The role focuses on designing and delivering scalable, high-quality proposal resources and tools that support high-interest funding opportunities, extend strategic support to faculty across the institution, and enhance the efficiency, consistency, and impact of services delivered by the Office of Research.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Writing, Communication, Science Engineering or a related field
• Three or more years of professional experience in grant writing, proposal development, research development, or a closely related function
• Experience supporting proposal development in higher education, research or similarly complex organizational environment
• Strong grant writing, editing, and proposal strategy skills with the ability to develop clear, compelling and well-structured content aligned with sponsor expectations
• Demonstrated AI competency and digital literacy, including the ability to leverage AI-enabled tools to support writing, analysis, and workflow efficiency, with a willingness to learn and adopt emerging technologies
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and non-technical information into accessible, faculty facing guidance and resources
• Proficiency in applying data-informed approaches to support planning, prioritization, and continuous improvement
• Experience developing and managing technology-enabled, scalable resources, templates, or tools for broad user audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities and meet deadlines
• Effective collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work with faculty and staff across disciplines and organizational units

What We Want You To Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EO/EA University.