Grant Development Specialist

Brookings, SD (Remote)

Salary Not AvailableFull time

Posted 5 weeks ago

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Job Description

Working Title
Grant Development Specialist

Posting Number
NFE03117P

Department
SDSU-Division of Research & Econ Dvlp

Physical Location of Position (City)
Brookings

Posting Text
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.
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.
KEYRESPONSIBILITIES:
  • 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.
MINIMUMQUALIFICATIONS:
  • 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.
PREFERREDQUALIFICATIONS:
  • 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.
APPLICATIONPROCESS:
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.

Posting Date
06/26/2026

Closing Date
07/17/2026

Open Until Filled
No

First Consideration Date

Advertised Salary
The minimum starting salary for this position is $56,169.

Duration of the Term
12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent
100

Work Hours
Location is on campus in Brookings, South Dakota OR remote within South Dakota.
M-F 8am-5pm Central

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type
Regular

Faculty Status
No

Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires
Travel, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations
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 mission of the Community Practice Innovation Center is to address community-identified needs and implement innovative solutions to better serve our region, which is achieved through project (research and public health) and service work.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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.

Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact hiring manager Dianne Nagy at dianne.nagy@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5051.
South Dakota Board of Regents logo

South Dakota Board of Regents

The Board of Regents proudly holds the constitutional authority to guide the public higher education system in our beautiful state of South Dakota. With the support of an executive director and a dedicated staff, we provide leadership and establish policies for the programs and services offered by our six public universities and two schools focused on special K-12 populations. Our goal is to create environments within SDBOR and its affiliated institutions that are not only desirable places to work but also nurturing spaces for learning and personal growth. We truly see ourselves as one big community, committed to enhancing and expanding educational opportunities both in South Dakota and beyond. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, community, and openness, while we prioritize providing our employees with a competitive and well-rounded rewards package.

Pierre, South Dakota, USA
79 employees