Position Details Position Information Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 25248 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Rachel Norris rachel.norris@montana.edu 406-994-6495 Classification Title Program/Project Lead Working Title Proposal Development Specialist Brief Position Overview The Proposal Development Specialist at the Montana Area Health Education Center ( AHEC ) and Office of Rural Health ( MORH ) is key to finding and securing funds to improve healthcare access for rural Montanans. The role involves researching federal and private funding opportunities, developing comprehensive proposals, and managing the grant process. The specialist will maintain relationships with funding agencies, support grants managed by the project coordinator, and assist in strategic planning and execution of AHEC / MORH initiatives. Additionally, this position requires conducting secondary research, collaborating closely with program staff, and representing AHEC / MORH at important meetings to advocate for rural health initiatives. Position Number 4C3373 Department Montana AHEC/Rural Health Division College of Nursing Appointment Type Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $70,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement The Montana Area Health Education Center ( AHEC ) and Office of Rural Health ( MORH ) are dedicated to enhancing healthcare access for rural Montanans by increasing the supply and distribution of healthcare professionals through strategic academic and community partnerships. The Proposal Development Specialist plays a crucial role in this mission by coordinating and providing technical assistance in the development of proposals, including researching, designing, and managing grant and funding processes. Duties and Responsibilities + Identify, research, and analyze federal and private funding opportunities to align with AHEC / MORH objectives. + Develop comprehensive proposals, including budgets and supporting documents, ensuring timely submission and compliance with funding requirements. + Cultivate and maintain relationships with funding agencies, serving as the primary liaison to facilitate communication in the pre-award process. + Provide oversight and support for grants managed by the project coordinator, ensuring adherence to grant conditions and successful project outcomes. + Assist the Director with various AHEC / MORH initiatives, contributing to strategic planning and execution. + Perform secondary research by analyzing data from state, federal, private, and academic sources to address AHEC / MORH research questions. + Work closely with program staff, grant leads, fiscal team and the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs in the funding search and development process. + Represent AHEC / MORH at meetings with key state and federal organizations, advocating for rural health initiatives and fostering collaborative relationships. + Travel in-state to attend office-wide strategic planning (1-2 times per year). + Travel out of state for meetings/conferences with funders as needed. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + Bachelor’s degree and two years of proposal development or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. + Experience in health, higher education and community organization. + Demonstrated experience with grant proposals and technical writing. + Experience in project management, partner facilitation, and strategic planning, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain meaningful community relationships that drive program success and alignment with organizational goals. Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills + 3+ years of professional experience in funding proposal development. + Familiarity with range of sponsors, most particularly in health, education and healthcare workforce. + Demonstrated secured funding and scholarly experience. + Demonstrated experience building relationships with community partners. + Demonstrated experience with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams). + Demonstrated experience with data interpretation and excellence in writing. + Demonstrated familiarity with Montana and rural and frontier communities. The Successful Candidate Will + Excellent organizational and time management skills. + Be highly organized with great attention to detail. + Demonstrate excellent, professional verbal and written communication skills. + Establish and maintain effective working relations with coworkers in a team-oriented environment. + Establish and maintain effective working relations with partners and community members. + Represent the department to others professionally and courteously. + Highly motivated/results orientated. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information + Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.) This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. This position has supervisory duties? No Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on January 27, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Special Instructions EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.