Multidisciplinary Proposal Developer

The Multidisciplinary Proposal Developer in the University of Minnesota's National Security Research Institute (NSRI) serves as a strategic catalyst for advancing the University's National Security Research Mission. Acting as a trusted partner to faculty, research teams, and institute leadership, this role is integral to securing highly competitive funding that drives innovation and impact. From initial concept through final submission, the Proposal Developer leads the creation of complex, high-quality, multidisciplinary, and multi-investigator proposals. The position brings technical insight, shapes research narratives, defines scope, and integrates strategic content that strengthens competitiveness. It also manages timelines, orchestrates cross-departmental documentation, and establishes the governance, budgetary, and collaboration frameworks needed to meet sponsor expectations while aligning with NSRI priorities. Working closely with NSRI colleagues; faculty across campuses; and administrative, research, and compliance offices system-wide, the Proposal Developer helps cultivate strong internal and external partnerships, assemble high-performing research teams, and align faculty strengths with emerging national security opportunities.

This position reports to the NSRI Assistant Director of Operations.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Proposal Development 85%

• Lead the end-to-end management of complex research proposal development and submission processes, from initial planning through final submission.
• Oversee proposal task coordination across internal teams and external partners, identify deliverables, establish proposal development roadmaps and timelines, coordinate and plan meetings with research teams, and meet proposal submission deadlines.
• Drive team communications throughout proposal development to ensure effective collaboration and timely submissions.
• Analyze solicitations (e.g. BAAs, FOAs, RFPs) to distill sponsor priorities and missions, technical requirements, evaluation criteria, policies, and compliance expectations.
• Provide strategic consultation on proposal development, aligning proposals with program goals and connecting teams to essential institutional expertise and business and industry partners.
• Assist principal investigators with establishing competitive research teams.
• Produce high-quality content for non-technical sections of proposals (e.g. project management, data management, facilities, education and outreach, etc.); provide support for technical sections of proposals as requested.
• Develop strategies to enhance messaging and presentation of facts and data through the addition of graphics, figures, and other visuals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned proposals, ensuring effective coordination among team members and Principal Investigators to deliver high-quality, competitive submissions.
• Conduct final quality control reviews for consistency and accuracy, and with attention to delivering a compelling, clear narrative; coordinate and participate in peer reviews of proposals prior to finalization and submission as needed.
• Assist with or advise on controlled unclassified information (CUI), export control awareness, and security-sensitive content when applicable.
• Develop templates, style guides, toolkits, and examples to enhance proposal quality and efficiency across the institute.

National Security Research Landscape Expertise (10%)

• Maintain working knowledge of national security research priorities, emerging sponsor interests, and funding trends across relevant agencies (e.g. DOE, DoD, DHS, DARPA, HHS/ARPA-H, NASA).
• Collaborate with NSRI leadership to shape and advance the institute's strategic vision; contribute to high-level business planning discussions.
• Help identify new funding opportunities and match faculty expertise with emerging needs.
• Engage with research development professionals, faculty, and other internal and external stakeholders; gather input on emerging trends in the National Security research arena; and build networks that strengthen the institution's research capacity and competitiveness.

Other duties as assigned by the NSRI Assistant Director of Operations (5%)

**This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.**

Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the National Security Research Institute (NSRI) endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.

This position was designated to be fully in the office/lab (Profile 1) or partially remote (Profile 2, with work expected to be performed in the office/lab a minimum of 3 days per week).

At least initially, the incumbent will be expected to spend more time in the office/lab to ease onboarding, create connections with team members, and initiate collaborations. Work schedule will be finalized with the supervisor and will be dependent on the research program needs. Regardless of the typical work arrangement set, this role comes with the requirement to attend numerous on-campus work events and on-site meetings for collaboration and team effectiveness. Unless collaborating at a research program site, the incumbent will work from the NSRI office in Suite 450 in the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 SE Oak Street on the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Campus.

RIO management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for varied audiences.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with university leaders, board members, faculty members, partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience developing and coordinating multi-investigator research proposals for federal agencies.
• Demonstrated project leadership skills involving being proactive, collaborative and team oriented.
• Excellent project management skills with a proven ability to manage tasks, time and multiple deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work with sensitive or security-relevant content; willingness to complete training related to export controls, CUI, and research security as requested.
• Self-reliant, good problem solver, result oriented, forward looking and strategic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience developing successful multi-investigator proposals to NSRI-relevant agencies in particular the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Health and Human Services (HHS/ARPA-H, BARDA), DARPA, and/or NASA.
• Experience developing multi-investigator proposals for centers, institutes, collaborative consortia, or large interdisciplinary teams at a research university or other nonprofit research institution.

Other Required Credentials

• Due to the nature of some of the essential functions of this position, successful candidates must:
  be a US Citizen.
• possess an active US Government security clearance or have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.

The National Security Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Minnesota serves as a national hub to drive interdisciplinary partnerships on national security-related funding opportunities. NSRI advances leading-edge research and workforce training programs that deliver significant value for the sponsor. NSRI promotes and sustains strategic partnerships with government agencies, DoD and national labs, defense-oriented entities, academia, and industry.

Pay Range: $87,114.19-$119,528.77; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

**Applicants must submit a letter of interest and a resume.**

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).