Grant Development Specialist

Grant Development Specialist

Division of Research and Economic Development

South Dakota State University

Are you passionate about advancing research and supporting innovative projects? Join our team at South Dakota State University (SDState) as a Grant Development Specialist. In this vital role, you will help researchers get external funding for their projects and contribute to the growth of SDState research, scholarship, and creative activity. If you are eager to foster innovation and collaboration, and promote research that makes a difference locally, nationally, and globally, we want to hear from you. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota, or remote within South Dakota, and is a 12 month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

The Division of Research and Economic Development plays a central role in advancing faculty expertise to solve real-world challenges and promote economic development. SDSU is recognized for its leadership in areas such as bioprocessing, precision agriculture, and remote sensing, and is home to several prominent research centers and partnerships, including the POET Bioproducts Center and three state research centers focused on drug delivery, biologics, and translational biosystems.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with authority to submit grant applications to select federal agencies on behalf of South Dakota State University, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Facilitate collaboration among multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary teams and provide grant preparation support for large, multi-unit applications and proposals originating from central administration or support units.
• Develop and deliver resources, programs, and trainings that strengthen SDSU researchers’ ability to secure external funding and effectively advocate for their work.
• Communicate and coordinate grant development resources and activities with College Grant Coordinators and Specialists to ensure consistency and alignment across the university.
• Manage and promote limited submission opportunities, internal funding programs, and grant prospecting resources to support faculty and staff success.

BENEFITS:

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (STEM, Communication, English, or related) completed by start date;
• At least one year of experience in research development or research administration;
• Experience developing competitive grant application packets for major federal funders (NSF, NIH, or USDA);
• The ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing;
• Demonstrated capacity to create and implement effective training and development programs and resources;
• The ability to work productively in a team, take initiative, and adapt readily to ambiguity and changing conditions;
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in relevant field (STEM, Communication, English, or related);
• Three or more years of experience in research development;
• Experience in higher education research funding;
• Experience supporting large interdisciplinary research teams with complex proposals; and
• Grant proposal writing experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position closes 7/17/2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDState Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact hiring manager Dianne Nagy at dianne.nagy@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5051.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.