What are the responsibilities and job description for the RAO Research and Proposal Development Manager position at Colorado State University?
Position Location
Fort Collins, CO
Work Location
Position qualifies for hybrid/in-office work
Research Professional Position
No
Posting Number
202500095AP
Position Type
Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title
Prof/Indiv Contrib III
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week
N/A
Proposed Annual Salary Range
$85,000-$105,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
- Review our detailed benefits information here.
- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on
02/20/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Research Acceleration Office (RAO) at Colorado State University was created to support and facilitate the development of new, groundbreaking research. In order to accomplish this ultimate goal, the Office works to facilitate the creation of new research teams that focus on multi/inter/transdisciplinary partnerships. To further the research opportunities of these groups, the RAO endeavors to align researchers with strategic, significant funding opportunities that will allow the teams to pursue their research goals more effectively than ever before. This process in turn flows into the Office’s final mission: to increase CSU’s overall research success and standing, ensuring that Colorado State is on the cutting edge of university-sponsored research.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) has overall responsibility for promoting and facilitating the research enterprise at Colorado State University (CSU). The OVPR and its research enable the University, its faculty, staff, and students to be part of a world-class research institution complementing our learning, service, and outreach missions. The OVPR plays a key role in the 21st Century Land-Grant mission of Colorado State University by fostering and supporting the research enterprise, promoting scholarship and artistry, instilling a culture of integrity, inclusion and diversity, and capitalizing on opportunities to address global challenges. CSU is recognized as one of the premier research institutions and routinely ranks in the top of all American Universities in research expenditures. Student enrollment is approximately 34,000, and the University employs more than 7,200 staff including academic faculty, administrative professionals, and classified staff.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) has overall responsibility for promoting and facilitating the research enterprise at Colorado State University (CSU). The OVPR and its research enable the University, its faculty, staff, and students to be part of a world-class research institution complementing our learning, service, and outreach missions. The OVPR plays a key role in the 21st Century Land-Grant mission of Colorado State University by fostering and supporting the research enterprise, promoting scholarship and artistry, instilling a culture of integrity, inclusion and diversity, and capitalizing on opportunities to address global challenges. CSU is recognized as one of the premier research institutions and routinely ranks in the top of all American Universities in research expenditures. Student enrollment is approximately 34,000, and the University employs more than 7,200 staff including academic faculty, administrative professionals, and classified staff.
Colorado State University is recognized as one of the premier research institutions and routinely ranks in the top of all-American Universities in research expenditures. The Office of the Vice President for Research has overall responsibility for promoting and facilitating the research enterprise at Colorado State University. The Office of the Vice President for Research will enable the University, its faculty, staff, and students to emerge as a world-class research institution complementing our learning, service, and outreach missions. The Office of the Vice President for Research will lead the 21st Century Land- Grant mission of Colorado State University by fostering and supporting the research enterprise, promoting scholarship and artistry, instilling a culture of integrity, inclusion and diversity, and capitalizing on opportunities to address global challenges.
CSU is situated in the city of Fort Collins, a dynamic community with a population of approximately 165,000. Located 65 miles north of Denver at the western edge of the Great Plains and at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a gateway to world-class skiing, hiking, fishing, climbing, and biking. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and low humidity, Fort Collins residents enjoy pleasant weather year-round. Fort Collins represents the very best of Colorado with top award rankings from Forbes for “Best Place for Business/Careers,” Gallup Well Being Index for “Healthiest Mid-Size City in America,” CBS Money Watch’s “List of Top 10 Best Places to Retire,” and Outside Magazine’s “Best Towns in America,” among others. See here for more info on the area: http://www.fcgov.com/fcfacts.
Position Summary
The Research Acceleration Office (RAO) Research and Proposal Development Manager position provides support for broad Research Development activities, including complex and strategic proposal development efforts, limited submission proposal activities, and interdisciplinary or strategic research initiatives. This position focuses on strategic research initiatives to strengthen proposals, connect collaborators, and empower faculty, with primary responsibilities including: facilitating research team interactions and progress for large, complex and strategic proposal efforts; identifying funding sources and solicitations; building and organizing research teams and external partners, including industry, municipal, and community partners, to target such funding; analyzing and gauging internal faculty interest and paths for collaboration; synthesizing research concepts to develop competitive proposals; and engaging with agency sponsors. Assistance will also be expected in the development and coordination of new interdisciplinary or strategic research initiatives. This position will report to the Associate Director of the Research Acceleration Office. This position will be supported through the Office of the Vice President for Research to provide Research Development guidance, expertise and project management skills with which to assist the CSU research community.
A signing bonus of up to $5,000 may be considered for successful candidates.
This position is a 12-month full-time appointment, based in Fort Collins, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work. Remote work is negotiable depending on the experience of the candidate.
A signing bonus of up to $5,000 may be considered for successful candidates.
This position is a 12-month full-time appointment, based in Fort Collins, with the potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work. Remote work is negotiable depending on the experience of the candidate.
Required Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree;
- 3 years of experience in research development related roles, including proposal development, proposal writing, research administration, project management, business development, or a closely related field;
- Knowledge of and experience with proposal development and supporting team science, including working with teams to develop complex multi-investigator proposals for one or more major federal agencies;
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to explain complex grant requirements to faculty;
- Experience developing and implementing research development or support programs
Preferred Job Qualifications
- Advanced degree, preferably in STEM disciplines and those related to agriculture, natural resources, and/or sustainability;
- 5 years of directly related experience in research development, proposal development, proposal writing, research administration, project management, business development, or a closely related field;
- Professional experience in an academic environment;
- Familiarity with Research Development, Research Administration, and/or Team Science professional organizations and other Research Development tools or networks;
- Demonstrated experience in managing the development of successful complex grants; understanding of grant proposal strategy to increase competitiveness; ability to review and interpret funding opportunity goals and guidelines to ensure alignment with sponsor and university goals and capabilities; familiarity with various sponsoring agencies and electronic research administration submission systems;
- Demonstrated strong team building and communications skills, with the ability to cultivate relationships among and offer guidance to faculty, administrators, and others; demonstrated experience building relationships with stakeholders and other external proposal partners;
- Proven technical writing and analytical skills;
- Hands-on experience with data analytics, including use of related software/tools
- Experience showing progressive increases in responsibility, and the ability to develop and complete projects with minimal supervision;
- High attention to detail and capacity to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a complex environment;
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computer software skills
Diversity Statement
Ability to advance the department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through research, teaching and outreach with relevant programs, goals and activities.
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category
Complex and Strategic Proposal Development Duties
Duty/Responsibility
- Provide highly developed knowledge and expertise for complex and strategic proposal development support, including limited submission proposal efforts, which includes but is not limited to: assisting in the development of proposal budgets; creating, editing, and managing proposal documents including biosketches, current and pending support, project and data management plans, etc.; preparing various sponsor application forms and packages; coordination of sub-recipient communications, budgets, and required documentation; coordination of cost sharing requests and budgeting; coordination of all local approvals; coordination of letters of support and collaboration; organizing and managing pink/red team evaluations and assessments; and providing other useful feedback and guidance on proposal strategy and competitiveness
- Meet with faculty and research teams to lead proposal strategy activities; analyze and interpret sponsor guidelines and make recommendations for proposal development and improvement to ensure compliance, competitiveness, and fit with sponsor requirements; manage additional institutional support needs
- Provide project management to large complex and strategic proposal development efforts, including: organizing proposal team meetings; creating and managing virtual shared workspaces; developing and adhering to proposal development schedules; and monitoring proposal development performance
- Serve as a liaison between investigators, administrators, agency officials, and other CSU research pre- and post-award staff, including the Office of Sponsored Programs and Corporate and Foundation Relations
- Manage interactions and/or collaborations with external partners and/or potential sponsors (local, state, and federal government agencies, academic enterprises, non-profit organizations, private foundations, and corporations)
- Provide training and guidance to university faculty and staff regarding proposal development
- Monitor and track proposal development metrics and other analytics
- Support long-term planning for targeting federal, foundation, and industrial research sponsors
- Work closely with other colleagues in RAO, university colleges and departments, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Corporate and Foundation Relations, International Programs, the Provost’s Office, CSU Extension, other university units, and other external Research Development professions to ensure information sharing and optimal support for proposal development activities
Percentage Of Time
45
Job Duty Category
Collaboration and Partnership Duties
Duty/Responsibility
- Develop a working knowledge of Colorado State University’s research expertise and capabilities in order to identify and facilitate connections for collaboration and partnership
- Identify, set up, and manage strategic research relationships with external institutions and organizations, including other academic institutions, private industry, foundations, and government entities; leverage CSU research portfolios;
- Serve as a liaison to and develop relationships with potential proposal collaborators, partners, and stakeholders, both internal and external to the university, in preparation for proposal development, including: CSU departments, colleges, centers, and institutes; community colleges, minority serving institutions, targeted universities, industry, municipalities, and other community groups
- Meet with faculty and organizations, identify research interest and interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities, maintain communication
- Facilitate partnership and support, including evidence of buy-in, cost-share, etc. for research activities proposed to sponsors
Percentage Of Time
20
Job Duty Category
Research Funding Identification and Analysis Duties
Duty/Responsibility
- Research and analyze sources for external funding and build strong relationships with federal funding agencies
- Maintain familiarity with sponsor trends to be able to assist PIs with appropriate funding source identification
- Identify potential funding resources for faculty and/or research teams
- Analyze and identify faculty research interests and strengths to facilitate interdisciplinary teams and maximize university capacity and resources
- Meet with faculty and administrators to identify targeted opportunities of interest and assist with pursuit of appropriate resources
Percentage Of Time
20
Job Duty Category
Other Research Acceleration Duties
Duty/Responsibility
- Assist in the coordination of new and ongoing interdisciplinary strategic research initiatives by establishing, convening, and facilitating working groups in anticipation of emerging areas of investment to respond to funding opportunities
- Participate in training, curriculum development, and delivery related to proposal writing and extramural research funding strategy
- Provide support and assistance to the RAO Associate Director and RAO Director to manage the functions of the office
- Participate in other RAO Strategic Research Initiatives, Transdisciplinary Research and Team Science Initiatives, and Faculty Development and Individualized Support activities
Percentage Of Time
15
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact
Dinaida Lopez: dinaida.lopez@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
Salary : $85,000 - $105,000
