Location:            Remote/Virtual
Duration:            No more than 6 months
Start Date:          No later than January 13, 2025

Position Overview:

We seek an experienced Proposal Development Consultant to support the preparation of a large, complex National Science Foundation (NSF) center application. The consultant will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), co-investigators, and administrative team to craft a competitive proposal that aligns with the NSF's priorities and guidelines. The successful candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, particularly with large-scale, multi-institutional proposals, and will be responsible for:

1. Coordinating with a large number of organizations involved with the application,
2. Organizing, writing, and editing sections of the proposal,
3. Ensuring compliance with NSF requirements, and
4. Ensuring the overall quality and cohesiveness of the submission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proposal Strategy & Planning:
• Collaborate with the PI, project team, and other stakeholders to develop the overall strategy for the NSF center application.
• Assist in drafting and refining key aspects of the proposal, ensuring it meets NSF’s guidelines and priorities.
• Help define the structure of the proposal, including technical, budget, and administrative sections.
• Provide input on developing a compelling narrative that emphasizes the project's intellectual merit and broader impacts.
• Section Writing & Editing:
• Lead or support the writing of various proposal sections, including but not limited to the project description, management plan, evaluation plan, and other required NSF components.
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and language alignment across all proposal sections.
• Provide critical review and editing of proposal drafts, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and readability.
• Compliance & Formatting:
• Review all proposal components to ensure compliance with NSF guidelines, such as formatting, page limits, required sections, and deadlines.
• Coordinate with administrative staff to ensure that all necessary documents (e.g., bio sketches, current & pending support, letters of commitment) are compiled and meet NSF requirements.
• Provide guidance on NSF’s merit review criteria and ensure that the proposal reflects these elements effectively.

• Team Coordination:
• Act as a liaison between the PI, co-investigators, and institutional representatives, ensuring smooth communication and timely completion of proposal components.
• Help track deadlines, deliverables, and progress toward final submission.
• Assist with internal reviews and revisions, ensuring feedback is incorporated into the proposal.
• Budget Support:
• Collaborate with the finance team to develop a realistic budget that aligns with project goals and NSF guidelines.
• Provide budget justification and rationale for the requested funds.
• Final Submission:
• Ensure the proposal is completed and submitted by NSF submission deadlines.
• Assist in submitting the final proposal through NSF’s Research.gov systems.
• Provide support during the post-submission phase, addressing any NSF inquiries or requests for additional information.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience:
• Proven track record in developing successful NSF proposals, particularly for large-scale, multi-institutional projects.
• Experience working with NSF’s merit review criteria and understanding of NSF proposal preparation guidelines and requirements.
• Skills:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, persuasive language.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with NSF proposal submission systems (e.g., Research.gov).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail, with an ability to ensure compliance with all guidelines and submission requirements.
• Education:
• A graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field (e.g., STEM disciplines, social sciences, engineering) is preferred but not required.
• Additional certifications or training in grant writing or proposal development are a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large-scale center or multi-institutional grant applications (e.g., NSF Science and Technology Centers, Engineering Research Centers).
• Familiarity with NSF funding mechanisms for collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
• Experience with team management or facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration across different institutions.
• Strong background in scientific writing and editing, particularly for grant proposals.

About UIDP, Inc.

UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.

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