Research Development Associate (Grant-funded)

Spelman College (Old); Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Spelman College is seeking a Research Development Associate (grant-funded) to coordinate the NSF-funded AUC-GRANTED project’s proposal pre-review and training program. The RDA will manage workshops, develop guidance materials for faculty across the Atlanta University Center, and build internal/external partnerships.

This role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in research administration, strong communication, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and data systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with four years in research admin or project management.
• Background in research development preferred.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the AUC-GRANTED Proposal Pre-Review Service usage and promotion.
• Develop short and long-term goals for research development services.
• Analyze federal funding priorities to position Spelman researchers.
• Collaborate with college offices to manage activities.
• Create trainings and tools to improve faculty grants skills.
• Maintain a database of faculty and staff using services.
• Lead networking events to connect researchers with external partners.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Office proficiency

Spreadsheet/data skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Smartsheet

Job description

Research Development Associate (Grant-funded)

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain authorization throughout employment. This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

This position is contingent upon the availability of sufficient funding.

Position Title

Position Title Research Development Associate (Grant-funded)

Position Summary

The Research Development Associate ( RDA ) for the NSF -funded Atlanta University Center ( AUC )- GRANTED project reports directly to the Director of Research Development & Sponsored Programs. The individual will manage and coordinate the proposal pre-review process across the AUC to ensure successful integration and implementation of the proposal pre-review service that has already been developed. They will develop and deliver in-person and virtual research development workshops, and guidance materials to train faculty across the AUC in grant writing. The RDA will lead strategic activities to assess potential collaborations (internal and external) and support collaboration and partnership building events. Additionally, the RDA will work with the Director of AUC - GRANTED Operations to identify processes, training and other support mechanisms to build faculty proposal-development skills and work collaboratively to implement solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides administrative support for the AUC - GRANTED Project leadership by:

o Oversee the usage of the AUC - GRANTED Proposal Pre-Review Service. Will track usage and implement strategies to market, train and encourage researchers to use the service

o Will work with the Director of Research Development & Sponsored Programs to development short and long-term goals for developing and implementing research development services for Spelman College

o Analyze the funding priorities of the federal government using strategic intelligence best practices. Develop actionable recommendations to position Spelman researchers for forecasted opportunities and execute related collaborative efforts

o Interfacing with key units of the College (e.g., Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of Research, Innovation, & Collaboration, and Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing) as needed to manage activities;

o Develop trainings, workshops and tools to support the development of faculty’s understanding of what research development is and how research development services will enhance their grantsmanship skills

o Maintaining a database of faculty and staff utilizing research development services

o Collaborate with faculty on proposals through the following activities: conducting literature reviews, ensuring proposed research aligns with federal funding priorities, analyzing gaps in the research team and taking the lead on bridging those gaps with internal and external partnership development, and other research and team development activities as needed per project

o Communicates the outcomes of research development associate activities through written reports and presentations

o Lead the progress reporting and analysis of research development associate initiatives to share with College leadership

o Support efforts to increase collaborations with internal and external partners, including identifying potential research partners and managing outreach to both internal and external stakeholders

o Plan and facilitate networking events to introduce Spelman College researchers to potential external partners

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and four years of research administrative and/or project management experience, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training, is required. Candidate’s background should include research development experience.

The ideal candidate for this position is self-motivated, resourceful, and proactive; additionally, has a strong work ethic, excellent organizational, budget, and time management skills. The incumbent must possess:

• excellent oral and written communication skills
• strong interpersonal skills and customer service focus
• professional demeanor with the ability to interface with internal and external constituents/stakeholders with respect, diplomacy, tact, and confidentiality
• highly proficient experience in spreadsheet management, data collection, and data presentation using Microsoft Office Suite

Independent judgment is necessary to plan, prioritize and organize a diversified workload with attention to detail. Work requires fact-finding and compilation skills plus the ability to perform a variety of tasks simultaneously, at times with little supervision. The ability to work effectively under pressure, be proactive, demonstrate initiative, and promote teamwork is a key asset in the role.

The individual must have excellent record maintenance and database management skills, and/or the appropriate aptitude to learn quickly. This individual is expected to be comfortable undertaking a collaborative approach to problem solving while working in a fast-paced environment. The RDA will have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, along with experience in teaching/training faculty.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have intermediate level computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Some applications may require advanced skills. In addition to producing written correspondence and e-mails, the utilization of formula-embedded spreadsheets/Smartsheet, database management skills, and Internet navigation are essential components of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a formal office or unit specializing in research development in a college/university setting is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, Restrictions

None. CRA / CPRA / CFRA certification preferred. Evidence of training or certification related to research development is a plus.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: sit, use hands to handle office supplies, operate computer and other office equipment, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, walk, and stand. The employee is occasionally required to: stoop, climb, and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

Shift

Shift Days

% Travel Required

% Travel Required 1% - 25%

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time/Part Time Full-time

Work Location/Schedule:

Work Location/Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Candidate Start Date

Position End Date

Posting Number

Posting Number SC0910P

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 07/17/2026

Posting Closing Date

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicants

EEO Statement

Spelman College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a smoke-free campus.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

350 Spelman Lane S.W. Atlanta, GA 30314-4399