Research Proposal Developer (Hybrid Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

About Research & Engagement

The UMass Amherst community engages more than 31,000 students, 1,400 faculty, and 5,000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs, research, and public service. More than 800 faculty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied that are sponsored by federal, state, and private sources with expenditures of more than $240 million in 2023.

Job Summary

The Research Proposal Developer serves as a critical resource for faculty and staff across Schools, Colleges, Centers, and Institutes. This role provides leadership, guidance, and expertise to support all aspects of proposal development for securing funding from federal and non-federal sponsoring agencies. The Developer ensures timely, high-quality, and coordinated proposal support services to enhance competitiveness and compliance.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with a diverse community of investigators and staff to facilitate efficient and timely proposal preparation, including budget development, progress reports, and grant renewals or modifications.
• Analyzes and advises on funding opportunities; guides the preparation of realistic budget proposals and justifications; ensures compliance and competitiveness of proposals using tools like Kuali Research.
• Provides expertise and support for multidisciplinary submissions, project development, and administrative approvals (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Conflict of Interest).
• Acts as a liaison between investigators, their staff, and central research administrative services, proactively addressing pre-award or proposal-related concerns and identifying timely solutions.
• Develops and delivers training and educational outreach programs tailored to investigators and research support staff.

Other Functions

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

Work Schedule

Salary Information

Salary Level 26

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.