Proposal Coordinator

About the Role

The Research Development Coordinator will work closely with the new College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to accelerate research development and output, helping shape the research identity of the college at a critical formative stage. This high-impact position is responsible for driving coordinated execution of center-scale proposal efforts, with goals including the establishment of an interdisciplinary center of excellence focused on One Health, Biosecurity, or Food Animal Health and Systems. Within 12–18 months, the role aims to formalize the center, submit at least one center-scale grant proposal, support multiple PI-led research proposals, and engage with industry stakeholders in Arkansas agriculture and animal health.

The successful candidate will proactively identify gaps, resolve bottlenecks, and maintain accountability across the project team, reporting to the Executive Director for Research Development and stationed in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute among the most research-active CVM faculty. The support portfolio will cover all CVM faculty and staff submitting sponsored proposals, as well as collaborators working on center proposals.

Responsibilities

• Learn CVM research priorities and identify relevant funding opportunities (federal, state, and foundation) for faculty and the research center of excellence.
• Translate broad research themes into competitive, center-scale proposal concepts aligned with federal sponsor priorities (e.g., USDA, DoD).
• Work with faculty and CVM leadership to develop a state-approved center of excellence and a sustainable research center structure beyond initial submission.
• Support individual faculty in developing responses to specific calls for proposals, including guidance during development, pre-submission, and administrative review.
• Prepare proposals and grant applications, including writing and analyzing narratives, budgets, and all sponsor-required ancillary documents for compliance.
• Apply advanced knowledge of sponsor agency and institutional policies to proposal reviews.
• Oversee internal approval routing and submission of entire application packets in accordance with institutional and sponsor requirements and deadlines.
• Track submissions and awards using internal systems.
• Facilitate productive collaboration among faculty with diverse disciplinary perspectives, maintaining forward progress amid competing priorities.
• Assist the Executive Director for Research Development in large-scale proposal preparation and research development trainings.
• Monitor and analyze developments in research administration from federal, state, private, industry, and institutional policies, communicating updates to faculty and staff.
• Maintain current and accurate submission and award information in internal databases.
• Develop and contribute to additional initiatives, such as writing articles and organizing research events.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Exemplary professionalism, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a high level of organization.
• Demonstrated track record of successful collaborative work with diverse team members.
• Knowledge of the academic research enterprise; experience as a writer or grant writer is a strength.
• Previous work in veterinary medicine, biomedical, or agricultural environments is ideal.
• Experience managing complex, deadline-driven projects.
• Strong writing ability for technical and multidisciplinary audiences.
• Ability to synthesize ideas across disciplines into a cohesive narrative.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure where none exists.
• Familiarity with federal funding mechanisms (USDA, DoD, NIH, NSF).
• Detail-oriented with strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and on a team, delegate responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills in a variety of software programs.
• Cultural competency and enthusiasm for problem-solving.

Work Environment

Research and Technology Transfer at A-State is a fast-paced, exciting workplace focused on research, innovation, and discovery. The ideal candidate will demonstrate honesty, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, professionalism, and enthusiasm for problem-solving.