Sparks Group, partnered with a leading academic research institution in search of a Senior Proposal Development Specialist. As the Sr Proposal Development Specialist, you will be responsible for preparation and leading the submission of complex, multi-institutional grants. In this role, you will work independently to turn innovative scientific and scholarly ideas into fully compliant, award-ready research proposals—guiding top faculty and mentoring junior team members along the way. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree along with at least 2 years of Grants, contracts, finance and budget related experience in an academic or academic medical setting, will have a strong attention to details and be a critical thinker. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, apply now

• Facilitate pre-award activities, including reviewing funding announcements, setting timeline matrices, and routing proposals for internal approval through submission.
• Develop, proof, and verify detailed proposal budgets and justifications, ensuring correct application of F&A, fringe rates, and sponsor compliance.
• Lead pre-application meetings, guide Principal Investigators, and coordinate with external institutions to gather required sub-award documentation.
• Handle Just-In-Time (JIT) requests, track proposal statuses, verify faculty compliance certificates, and ensure a seamless handoff to post-award teams.
• Mentor junior team members, collaborate across pre-award units, and uphold standards for the responsible conduct of research and data confidentiality.

• Bachelors degree preferred or equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered in lieu of degree
• Minimum of 2+ years of Grants, contracts, finance and budget-realted experience in an academic or academic-medical setting.
• Proficient in MS Office
• Ability to analyze and interpret various funding opportunity announcements (RFA, RFP, FOA) from sponsor agencies

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This job is Hybrid Remote.

Pay Range: Salary $75,000.00 to $90,000.00

We offer several comprehensive benefits package including health and life insurance, paid and unpaid time off, and retirement and savings plans to qualifying employees.

Download the Sparks Group mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play.

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Sparks Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, citizenship, family status, genetic information, disability, or protect veteran status.