CAREER CENTER

JOB SUMMARY 

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking a Research Development Specialist, Federal Priorities to provide support for UConn's federal priorities process, which identifies strategically important research and educational projects and advocates for their inclusion in the federal budget. This position will provide program coordination support for the selection and vetting of potential projects as well as writing/editing support for white papers that will be shared with UConn Government Relations and Connecticut's Congressional delegation. The position will also provide project coordination and grant writing/editing support to faculty preparing proposals for external funding.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Federal Priorities Program Support

• Oversee general operations for UConn's federal priorities process, ensuring that program goals are met within established timeframes.
• Assist with drafting and sending program-related correspondence.
• Work with UConn/UConn Health senior administrators to collect concepts for potential inclusion in the federal priorities process.
• Facilitate the review and selection of concepts that are a strong fit for inclusion.
  • Organize logistical support for regular meetings with OVPR leadership, Government Relations, and others.
  • Organize and prepare materials for distribution and presentation.
  • Help to identify and shape concepts that draw on University strengths to meet urgent national and societal needs.
  • Present on behalf of the program, as needed.
  • Take notes and track meeting outcomes and action items.
• Coordinate with other members of the Federal Priorities team.
• Engage with investigators to assist with the development of concepts for future federal priorities cycles.
• May provide editorial support for white papers selected for inclusion in federal priorities negotiations. This may include summarizing white papers for length, as well as revising the content, organization, wording, and tone of the document to meet program expectations.
• Develop program-related templates or training materials, as needed.
• Maintain appropriate records of program activities and outcomes, preparing reports as requested.
• Coordinate with larger Research Development Services (RDS) team as appropriate on federal priorities related projects.

Proposal Development Support

• Assist researchers/principal investigators in interpreting grant solicitations, evaluating the appropriateness of projects for particular opportunities, identifying necessary proposal components, developing project timelines, and managing the proposal preparation from concept to submission, ensuring that internal and external deadlines are met.
• In close collaboration with researchers/principal investigators, develop and provide comprehensive editorial reviews of research proposals. This may include drafting non-scientific/scholarly sections as well as providing significant input into the content, organization, wording, and tone of the full document. May provide assistance with formatting and editing of figures and other graphical elements.
• Facilitate communication/collaboration among team members and provide document management support, assisting with updates across the application as the science and research aims change and ensuring that team members have access to up-to-date materials.
• Coordinate with individuals at various levels and offices throughout the University to guide projects through the development and submission stages. Ensure successful integration of all grant components and compliance with all funding solicitation and sponsor requirements. Collaborate with other proposal development staff, department/college fiscal and administrative staff, and staff in Sponsored Programs Services.
• Performs related duties as required.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in a relevant writing focused or scientific field.
2. At least five years of experience writing and editing scientific, technical, and research proposals, or articles in an academic context.  At least one year of experience must be as an advanced team member or practitioner.
3. Strong technical/scientific writing skills, as demonstrated by writing samples.
4. Ability to work flexibly, productively, and collegially with the writing of others.
5. Experience providing project management support in a team context or successfully managing complex projects.
6. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, and a strong collaborative approach.
7. Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Academic or work experience in a life, social, physical science, or engineering field.
3. Familiarity with lobbying or the federal budget process.
4. Experience developing successful grant proposals for federal sponsors in an academic context.
5. Expertise in grant writing best practices and competitiveness strategies.
6. Advanced organizational ability with a record of successfully managing/coordinating multiple complex programs or processes.
7. Advanced administrative abilities, including time and deadline management, prioritizing responsibilities, attention to detail, taking initiative, and working independently to carry out challenging assignments.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut (outlined here:  https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-summaries/). The hiring range is in the low $60s to low $80s, commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications for the position. Telecommuting on a hybrid basis may be allowed subject to authorization and University policy. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497806 to upload a resume, cover letter (should address the applicant's interest in the position and how their professional experience and training prepares them for it), writing samples (shows advanced technical or scientific writing skills), and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications that do not include all of these application materials will not be considered. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 9, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

About University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 30,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

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