Manager of Research Proposal Development

About ETS:

ETS is a global leader in education and talent solutions, dedicated to preparing lifelong learners for success. With over 75 years of experience, we have been at the forefront of measurement science, creating fair and valid assessments used in over 200 countries. Our renowned tests, including TOEFL®, TOEIC®, GRE®, and Praxis®, serve millions of learners globally. We've expanded our capabilities through strategic acquisitions, enhancing our workforce assessment solutions with PSI and enriching educational technology with companies such as Edusoft and Kira Talent.

Through the ETS Research Institute and ETS Solutions, we collaborate with educational institutions, governments, and organizations worldwide to foster skill proficiency and empower opportunities for all. Our reach spans Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, delivering nearly 50 million tests every year. Join us in our mission to measure progress and drive human advancement globally.

About the Role:

We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic and strategic Manager of Research Proposal Development who will take charge of the proposal process for both federal and non-federal funding opportunities. This pivotal role is essential for obtaining the resources necessary to fuel innovative research throughout the ETS Research Institute and enterprise-wide initiatives.

Your Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor, guiding researchers through engaging with program officers and navigating complex regulatory requirements, especially with agencies like NSF and IES.

• Interpret funding structures to align proposals with agency priorities.

• Encourage collaboration across ETS and with external partners for proposal and budget development.

• Stay informed about emerging trends to contribute to the evolution of our strategic research alliances.

Proposal Development & Pipeline Management:

• Identify relevant funding opportunities and encourage timely submissions.

• Provide insights into funding cycles to align ETS initiatives with external prospects.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of 40-60 proposals annually using grants management tools.

• Support proposal drafting with boilerplate content, staffing charts, and budget justifications.

• Repurpose existing technical documentation for new opportunities when suitable.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Review and edit proposals for clarity and alignment with funder requirements.

• Ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and proactively resolve compliance issues.

Monitoring & Reporting:

• Track proposal outcomes and conduct post-submission reviews for continuous improvement.

• Provide regular updates and maintain distribution lists for RFPs.

Budget & Grant Management:

• Draft proposal budgets aligned with ETS best practices and monitor project expenses.

• Implement process improvements in proposal management.

Success Indicators:

• Expert management of a multimillion-dollar grant portfolio.

• Creation of high-performing proposal teams.

• Proposals recognized as exemplary in quality and compliance.

• Effective implementation of grants aligned with funder objectives.

• Positive stakeholder satisfaction regarding grant progress and outcomes.

Importance of This Role:

This is a critical and high-profile position. You will handle confidential materials, spearhead strategic initiatives, and represent ETS to vital funding agencies. Your leadership will play a key role in securing essential funding for research that drives human progress.

Reporting Structure:

This position reports to the Associate Vice President of Strategic Research Alliances and collaborates with the Strategic Research Alliances team, ETS General Counsel, and Finance.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience are required.

• Strong writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills are essential.

• Knowledge of funding agency policies and procedures is required.

• Ability to communicate effectively with researchers and external funding bodies.

• Understanding of the evolving funding landscape and agency missions is crucial.

ETS is Mission-Driven and Action-Oriented:

• We seek innovative thinkers passionate about education and lifelong learning.

• We promote growth and transformation for the next generation of leaders.

• As a not-for-profit organization, we encourage our employees to volunteer and may offer additional PTO for such activities.

ETS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.