Research Development Strategist

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO) seeks a Research Development Specialist to help researchers identify and pursue external funding. The role blends proposal strategy, funding intelligence, and faculty consultation, operating in a dynamic environment with evolving sponsor priorities.

This hybrid, two-year term appointment supports multiple disciplines across sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong writing and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex research ideas for diverse audiences.
• Experience in grant writing, research development, or closely related fields.

Responsibilities

• Advise faculty on proposal strategy from concept through submission.
• Review and strengthen proposal narratives for sponsor priorities and criteria.
• Provide feedback to improve persuasiveness, organization, and funder fit.
• Collaborate with team on large-scale, interdisciplinary, and high-priority proposals.
• Develop and refine tools and workflows to improve internal processes.

Skills

Proposal strategy

Funding intelligence

Faculty consultation

Stakeholder engagement

Editorial feedback

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

AI tools

Job description

University of Colorado Boulder’s Research & Innovation Office (RIO) seeks a Research Development Specialist to help researchers identify and pursue external funding. The role blends proposal strategy, funding intelligence, and faculty consultation, operating in a dynamic environment with evolving sponsor priorities.

This hybrid, two-year term appointment supports multiple disciplines across sciences, engineering, and social sciences.