Proposal Success Specialist, Collaboratory for Integrating Growth, Innovation, a
University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
Proposal Success Specialist
Job Description
The Proposal Success Specialist reports to the Director of CIGNITE and serves as the tactical engine of the unit. This role provides "cradle-to-grave" support for complex and collaborative grant proposals. This specialist is critical in translating academic research into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse funders, including federal agencies, corporate sponsors, and private foundations. The role ensures that UMKC proposals are not only compliant but are competitively aligned with the specific goals of industry and community partners.
Collaborative Proposal Development & Solicitation Analysis
Conduct in-depth analysis of funding solicitations (RFPs/FOAs)
to deconstruct complex requirements into actionable checklists, compliance matrices, and writing outlines.
Ensure strict alignment with agency expectations
by mapping every section of the proposal narrative directly to the specific review criteria and instructions found in the solicitation.
Provide comprehensive writing and project management support for multi-stakeholder proposals, ensuring the "response" directly answers the "ask."
Draft and edit critical non-technical sections (e.g.,
Community Benefit Plans, Industry Partnership Plans , Broader Impacts) to ensure they meet the specific scoring metrics of the funder.
Manage the collection and tailoring of Letters of Support from corporate and community partners to demonstrate authentic collaboration.
Competitiveness & Partnership Alignment
Review proposal drafts against the solicitation's rubric
to identify gaps in logic or responsiveness before the proposal reaches the final review stage.
Coordinate
Mock Study Sections
and reviews that include perspectives from industry or community representatives where appropriate.
Assist faculty in translating complex scientific jargon into value propositions clear to corporate R&D leads and foundation boards.
Analyze feedback from rejected proposals to guide teams in strengthening their partnership strategies for resubmission.
Research Integrity & Compliance
Guide faculty through the unique compliance requirements of industry-sponsored research and collaborative federal grants (e.g., STTR/SBIR, conflict of interest).
Support workshops on navigating the intersection of academic research and
corporate innovation .
Funding Intelligence
Monitor funding landscapes to identify opportunities specifically requiring
academic-industry-community collaboration .
Create templates and resources for managing complex, multi-partner grant budgets and timelines.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications Strongly Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least 3 years of experience in grant writing, proposal development, or technical communication.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with corporate sponsors or on industry-academic collaborative projects.
Strong ability to write for diverse audiences (scientific, corporate, lay public).
Knowledge of federal innovation programs (e.g., NSF TIP, I-Corps, SBIR/STTR).
Anticipated Hiring Range The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $70,000 to $80,000 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Grade: 11. University Title: ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANT I. To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Deadline Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.
Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Collaborative Proposal Development & Solicitation Analysis
Conduct in-depth analysis of funding solicitations (RFPs/FOAs)
to deconstruct complex requirements into actionable checklists, compliance matrices, and writing outlines.
Ensure strict alignment with agency expectations
by mapping every section of the proposal narrative directly to the specific review criteria and instructions found in the solicitation.
Provide comprehensive writing and project management support for multi-stakeholder proposals, ensuring the "response" directly answers the "ask."
Draft and edit critical non-technical sections (e.g.,
Community Benefit Plans, Industry Partnership Plans , Broader Impacts) to ensure they meet the specific scoring metrics of the funder.
Manage the collection and tailoring of Letters of Support from corporate and community partners to demonstrate authentic collaboration.
Competitiveness & Partnership Alignment
Review proposal drafts against the solicitation's rubric
to identify gaps in logic or responsiveness before the proposal reaches the final review stage.
Coordinate
Mock Study Sections
and reviews that include perspectives from industry or community representatives where appropriate.
Assist faculty in translating complex scientific jargon into value propositions clear to corporate R&D leads and foundation boards.
Analyze feedback from rejected proposals to guide teams in strengthening their partnership strategies for resubmission.
Research Integrity & Compliance
Guide faculty through the unique compliance requirements of industry-sponsored research and collaborative federal grants (e.g., STTR/SBIR, conflict of interest).
Support workshops on navigating the intersection of academic research and
corporate innovation .
Funding Intelligence
Monitor funding landscapes to identify opportunities specifically requiring
academic-industry-community collaboration .
Create templates and resources for managing complex, multi-partner grant budgets and timelines.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications Strongly Preferred Qualifications:
A Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least 3 years of experience in grant writing, proposal development, or technical communication.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with corporate sponsors or on industry-academic collaborative projects.
Strong ability to write for diverse audiences (scientific, corporate, lay public).
Knowledge of federal innovation programs (e.g., NSF TIP, I-Corps, SBIR/STTR).
Anticipated Hiring Range The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $70,000 to $80,000 annually. Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Grade: 11. University Title: ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANT I. To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Deadline Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.
Benefit Eligibility This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
#J-18808-Ljbffr