PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

CCM is a soft-funded research center within the College of Engineering, has annual research expenses of more than $15M that are derived entirely from external sources, including grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and industrial contracts. The mission of the Center is to 1) conduct basic and applied research, 2) educate scientists and engineers, and 3) transition technology to industry.

The technical grant writer provides and supports CCM and the ‘AIM for Composites’ Energy Frontier Research Center (AIM EFRC) in grant writing, proposal development, coordinating technical writing for journal articles, technical magazines, conferences, preparing visually appealing presentations that includes graphics/images from experimental data for the aforementioned articles, papers, and grants, create/manage content for the AIM EFRC website. The technical writer will also be responsible for reporting, preparing manuals, and performing other assigned duties.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide detailed grant writing and proposal development assistance through all stages of proposal conceptual development and refinement including:
• Work to understand proposal requirements, agency mission and culture, and specific program objectives with the goal of producing more competitive grant proposals.
• Facilitate and participate in proposal ideation meetings.
• Edit proposals with specific focus on the narrative and summary sections, concerning the sponsor's 'impact areas' such as workforce development, stakeholder impacts, economic impacts, diversity, and inclusion of others.
• Develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of the Institutes needs for sustained funding, ensuring branding and positioning strategies.
• Writes routine and ad-hoc reports to government, corporate, foundations and other stakeholders.
• Serves as in-house proofreader/editor.
• Prepare visually appealing presentations that include graphics/images of scientific results and technical concepts for publications, proposals, grants, reports, AIM EFRC website and social media channels.
• Manage CCM/AIM EFRC publication review process ensuring consistent voice and messaging across all written materials (i.e., manuscripts, whitepapers, journal articles) and short form content for AIM EFRC website and social media channels.
• Perform other job-related duties and special projects as needed or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's or an advanced degree in English or science discipline with four years of progressively responsible job-related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient computing skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Graphic design software (e.g., adobe illustrator, adobe photoshop) and database management skills preferred.
• Experience in research program development or grant facilitator position at a research-intensive university and/or public or private institutions engaging in sponsored research or service.
• Experience of the funding mechanisms and opportunities at one or more agencies listed here DOE, NSF, DOD, NASA, USDA, and ED.
• Ability to work with subject matter experts from a wide variety of disciplines in a supportive environment that promotes high-quality research and the development of sophisticated funding proposals.
• Ability to work with other grant writers and consultants and coordinate and manage color reviews (red/green team reviews).
• Ability to use independent judgment and produce a quality work product under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, independent judgment, and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and consensus-building skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities under deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A high degree of discretion, tact, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to understand and identify the needs of subject matter experts and translate those needs into programmatic solutions. Demonstrated capacity, skill, and willingness to engage with proposal team and contribute to success in research collaboration and equity.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.