Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist
Building on Michigan State University's longstanding commitment to global engagement, the Global Research Office within International Studies and Programs (ISP) supports faculty and partners in securing external funding for innovative research, capacity-building, and development initiatives around the world. Through collaboration with U.S. government agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors, Global Research helps transform ideas into impactful programs that address complex global challenges.
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships, the Proposal Strategy and Development Specialist serves as ISP's lead proposal development professional. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, administrators, and external partners to identify funding opportunities, shape competitive funding strategies, coordinate interdisciplinary proposal teams, and develop compelling submissions for federal agencies, foundations, and other sponsors. This position requires a highly collaborative professional who can guide complex proposals from concept development through submission, strengthen proposal quality through substantive review and editing, and help position ISP for long-term funding success across a broad range of disciplines and thematic areas.
Work Location and In-Person Expectations
While ISP currently operates under a hybrid work structure, the position requires a substantial on-campus presence to facilitate collaboration with faculty, administrators, and proposal teams across the university.
Candidates should expect to work in person on campus a minimum of three days per week, with additional in-person engagement required during periods of intensive proposal development. This is not a fully remote position.
Salary Range
Salary commensurate with experience. Expected initial salary range: $80,000–$95,000 annually, with a comprehensive university benefits package.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Proposal Strategy, Development, and Management (70%)
- Lead the development of competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, multilateral organizations, and other sponsors
- Collaborate with faculty, research teams, and institutional partners to shape project concepts and develop funding strategies
- Facilitate interdisciplinary proposal teams and coordinate proposal development processes from concept through submission
- Draft, edit, and integrate proposal narratives, executive summaries, concept notes, letters of intent, white papers, and full proposals
- Translate technical and scholarly content into clear, persuasive, and funder-centered language
- Conduct proposal reviews and provide substantive feedback to improve proposal quality, competitiveness, and alignment with sponsor priorities
- Coordinate with the ISP Dean's Office Research Administrator and other university offices throughout the proposal development process
- Support reporting, communications, and strategic initiatives of the Global Research Office.
Strategic Funding Development and Institutional Leadership (30%)
- Identify and analyze funding opportunities relevant to ISP faculty and strategic priorities
- Serve as a resource to faculty and staff on proposal development best practices and funding trends
- Build relationships with funding organizations and external partners when appropriate
- Contribute to strategic planning efforts related to external funding, research growth, and global partnerships
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Masters -Any field relevant to the duties of the position
- Three or more years of professional experience in proposal development, grant writing, research development, business development, capture strategy, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated experience developing competitive proposals for federal agencies, philanthropic foundations, or other major external sponsors
- Exceptional writing, editing, and synthesis skills, including the ability to transform complex technical content into compelling narratives
- Experience coordinating large, interdisciplinary teams under demanding deadlines
- Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation skills
- Ability to work effectively across a broad range of academic, research, and programmatic areas
- Experience supporting large-scale, complex, or multi-partner proposals
- Familiarity with federal funding agencies, philanthropic foundations, and international funding organizations
- Knowledge of research development best practices and proposal strategy methodologies
- Experience developing proposal development resources, trainings, or workshops
CV, cover letter and writing sample
HTTPS://WWW.ISP.MSU.EDU/
International Studies and Programs (ISP) is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach at Michigan State University.
Michigan State University has been intentionally global for more than 60 years and is known worldwide as a top research university. It is home to renowned scholars and scientists from around the globe and a vibrant and diverse community of undergraduates and graduate students. MSU leverages international partnerships with scientists and practitioners from academia, the government, private sector, and strategically chosen research and development organizations to create new knowledge and explore innovative and practical solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
The growth of Michigan State University’s international work can be tied to the development of the Office of International Studies and Programs (ISP). ISP is the hub for international research, teaching and outreach at MSU. As a university-level office under the leadership of a vice provost and dean, ISP supports international activities throughout the institution, working to mobilize MSU's research and scholarship, enhance study abroad and other educational programs, form and strengthen international partnerships, and welcome and support international visitors, scholars and students.
Within ISP are seven
global thematic and area studies centers
,
programs for students and scholars
, and resources for
international travel and safety
,
international research collaboration
, and faculty and student support. ISP also has strong ties to
affiliated international units
across campus focusing on agriculture, business, education, engineering, health, international development, and language study.
A defining characteristic of the MSU model is that ISP does not have its own solely assigned faculty. Consistent with the goal of spreading the international dimension throughout the university, all faculty members have their major academic appointments in university departments and schools across campus. This allows ISP to serve as a convener of interdisciplinary groups of faculty drawn from throughout MSU’s 17 academic colleges.
ISP’s efforts expand and deepen MSU’s global research and help create the scientific knowledge needed for responding to the world’s emerging opportunities and global goals. ISP works to position MSU as a leader in international research and scholarship, the internationalization of higher education, and as an indispensable partner in global collaborations.
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
