"Research Development & Engagement Specialist (Term)"

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research Development & Engagement Specialist will serve as a strategic partner to RISD’s Assistant Provost for Academic Engagement & grant PI helping to implement objectives of a multiyear NSF-funded Rhode Island Research Administration Collaborative (RIRAC) project in a collaboration with four other RI primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). The project will contribute to increasing RISD’s research capacity and strengthening its research competitiveness.

The Specialist will coordinate RIRAC grant and programmatic activities; advise and support RISD faculty in the identification of funding opportunities and the preparation, submission, and management of external grants from federal and private sponsors; and have a strategic role in organizing an inaugural institute for emerging, arts-integrated researchers and research administrators. They will be responsible for the timely execution of programmatic initiatives. This position reports to the Assistant Provost for Academic Engagement.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Provide professional research administration services to RISD faculty and staff using RIRAC aligned strategies to increase sponsored research knowledge and success by emerging researchers. Develop funding strategies, identify and disseminate funding opportunities, provide individualized consultation with faculty, develop proposal checklists and timelines, consult and advise faculty on developing competitive grant applications, develop budgets that comply with institutional and sponsor guidelines, and obtain institutional approval for submission. Hold grant orientations, problem solve project implementation issues and ensure reporting. Assist in the administration of internal grant programs and limited competition funding opportunities. Track and maintain documentation of multiple projects.
• Support the Assistant Provost/PI in creating an institute for researchers and research administrators whose work involves creative and non-traditional methodologies, interdisciplinarity, and addresses emerging technologies and research trends. The Specialist will outreach to and recruit presenters and participants from across academia, nonprofits, communities, industry, and other sectors. They will provide strategic input in determining the institute’s annual theme and programming. The goal of the institute will be to inform about issues and best practices; generate regional, national, cross-sector, intra-institutional, and transdisciplinary connections; foreground art/design/science/technology-based approaches; and offer attendees the knowledge, skills, and resources needed for successfully engaging in sponsored research.
• Project administration to include coordinating implementation with RI partner institutions; maintaining a database of RISD and regional research expertise; collecting and managing qualitative and quantitative data derived by the project for reference, analysis, and evaluation; documenting activities and outcomes; assisting in the preparation of data visualizations, presentations, and reports for sharing findings with stakeholders and the public.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grant development.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience with grant writing, budgeting, and using electronic grants management systems and government portals, e.g., research.gov and grants.gov.
• Experience with project management, strategy development, and planning.
• Experience organizing workshops, panels, trainings, or events, including related communications and outreach, tracking and documenting activities, and assessment.
• Relevant experience in areas such as arts-based, interdisciplinary, or community-engaged research; working collaboratively and effectively with partners in higher education, in non-profit sectors, and in communities.
• Skilled with office technologies, such as Microsoft, Google, and Acrobat applications.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A strategic thinker who is able to organize, multi-task, be attentive to detail, provide responsive communication and service, and adjust to changing demands, workflows, and deadlines.
• Ability to generate enthusiasm among faculty, colleagues, partners, sponsors, and outside practitioners. Able to scope prospective collaborative research projects with stakeholders, regionally, nationally, and globally.
• Interest in and knowledge of research and/or research administration best practices; commitment to staying apprised of changing sponsor and federal regulations and rules.
• Curious and knowledgeable about issues and trends in art, design, technology, humanities, science, or other disciplinary areas.
• Able to evaluate and make sound recommendations on complex issues. Uses discretion and maintains confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Can work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.

Union

No

Work Schedule:

35 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status

2 Year Fixed-Term - Relinquished if funding is frozen/disappears
Full-Time, Exempt

Grade

535EX

Work Modality

In-Person

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Strongly Preferred)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:
Research - Global - Practice