Proposal Development Specialist
Children's National Hospital
Summary
Proposal Development Specialist I facilitate the preparation of sponsored research proposals on behalf of Children's National faculty and staff. Responsibilities include developing budgets and supporting documentation, and ensuring that proposal is compliant with sponsor requirements and internal policies and timelines. In addition, PDS I facilitate all sponsor requirements and requests up until the Notice of Award is received.
Job description
Research Support Services
- Initiates pre-application meetings with Principal Investigators to discuss Funding Opportunity Announcements and creates proposal specific timelines for complex/large grant submissions or for new/junior faculty who may need additional support.
- Acts as liaison between the Proposal Development team, Grants and Contracts Pre-Award team and Principal Investigators to ensure that all requirements and deadlines are met.
- Collaborates with other Proposal Development team members to ensure exceptional and uniform support of all CRI proposals.
- Ensures the smooth transition of awarded proposals to post-award team through communication and detailed record keeping.
- Verifies compliance training for COI and other required certificates are up to date for faculty.
- Performs related responsibilities as required.
Proposal Development & JIT
- Assists investigators by answering questions regarding sponsors, funding opportunities and the proposal development process.
- Manages pre-award activities for assigned proposals using knowledge of grant management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills.
- Reviews funding announcements in detail.
- Ensures that Investigators are aware of any unique/unusual requirements.
- Completes responsibilities matrices and communicates deadlines and required deliverables to all members of team.
- Develops budgets and budget justifications which includes proofing budgets for inconsistencies and ensuring accuracy.
- Ensures that budgets are consistent with sponsor and CRI requirements; verifies all financial information to including application of appropriate F&A and fringe rates.
- Coordinates and reviews certain proposal elements for consistency in formatting, accuracy, and completeness.
- Reviews proposal for consistency with sponsor guidelines on budget, format, font size, and page limits.
- Collaborates with investigators and pre-award staff at external institutions to secure necessary sub-award documents for proposal.
- Ensures proposals are entered correctly into CRI systems (BearGrants) and grant proposal portals or application systems.
- Facilitates and monitors proposals through the routing and approval process in compliance with CRI procedures and securing appropriate sign offs.
- Monitors proposal statuses and advises Principal Investigators on requirements and deadlines.
- Escalates to Manager if deadlines are not met.
- Facilitates Just-In-Time requests including development of other support documents.
Responsible Conduct of Research
- Consistently demonstrates adherence to the standards for the responsible conduct of research.
- Uses research funds and resources appropriately.
- Maintains confidentiality of data as required.
- Meets all annual job-related training and compliance requirements.
Requirements
- Bachelors Degree or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- 1 year Grants, contracts, finance, and budget-related experience in a healthcare, academic, research or corporate setting
- Use of computers and web-based applications in a security-focused environment
- Use of Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams), Adobe, and internal application systems used to support research operations
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Gives attention to detail and is highly organized
- Ability to analyze and interpret various funding opportunity announcements (RFA, RFP, FOA) from sponsor agencies including NIH, FDA, DoD, State and local government agencies, and foundations
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work as part of a team including working well with faculty, staff and across multiple teams to accomplish goals
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription Drug Coverage
- Infertility Services
- Transgender Health Services
- Paid Time Off
- Vacation Accrual
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Personal Day
- 401(k) Plan
- Healthcare Spending Account
- Dependent Care Spending Account
- Life Insurance
- AD&D Insurance
- Long-Term Disability
- Tuition Assistance
- Fitness Resources
- Employee Assistance Program
- Commuter Benefits
Company overview
Children's National Hospital is a premier pediatric healthcare institution located in Washington, D.C., recognized as one of the top children's hospitals in the United States. Founded in 1870, it serves as the region's primary pediatric academic medical center, providing comprehensive care across all pediatric specialties. The hospital operates a 323-bed facility and offers advanced medical services including neonatal intensive care, pediatric surgery, oncology, cardiology, and neurology. As an academic medical center affiliated with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Children's National is deeply involved in pediatric research, medical education, and clinical innovation. The institution is particularly renowned for its Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and its leadership in pediatric genomics and precision medicine. Children's National consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals nationally, with specialties in cancer, cardiology, neurology, and neonatology receiving particular recognition for excellence in patient care and outcomes.