Research Development Specialist
- 502980
- Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
- Staff
- Staff Full-time
- Closing at: Dec 21 2025 - 23:55 MST
Position Title: Research Development Specialist
Employee Classification: Proposal Devt Specialist
College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED
Department: 470300-RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $48,332.54 Commensurate with qualifications.
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: Join New Mexico State University's Research Administration team as a Research Development Specialist and help shape the future of academic research. Based in Las Cruces, you'll work alongside dedicated professionals to support faculty and researchers in securing funding and advancing large-scale, multi-million-dollar research proposal efforts that require coordination across colleges within NMSU and with other institutions.
Classification Summary:
Reports to a centralized VPR division, provides research development support to enhance the ability of NMSU to conduct research and retain high-quality researchers and students. Supports large-scale, multi-million-dollar research proposal efforts that require coordination across colleges within NMSU and with other institutions.
Classification Standard Duties:
Identifies strategic funding opportunities. Supports faculty and research staff in the planning and development of proposals, including large interdisciplinary proposals, in response to Requests for Proposals (RFPs): analyzing RFPs; providing proposal planning and coordination, including developing strategies and themes; ensuring that the proposal sections comply with RFP instructions; technical writing, editing, and proofreading; developing visuals; and reviewing proposals to provide guidance to faculty. Edits proposals and documents/publications. Reviews proposals to ensure compliance with RFP requirements and instructions. Develops boilerplate materials, brochures, and presentations. Organizes and participates in conferences, workshops, and meetings related to research endeavors.
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of research development, including techniques for planning, organizing, and strategizing. Knowledge of federal funding sources and mechanisms. Knowledge of federal application requirements, policies, and procedures.; SKILLS: Strong skills in proposal development, writing, and editing for federal agencies. Excellent oral and written communication and organization skills, including presentation skills. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.; ABILITIES: Ability to work with minimum supervision on major proposals and projects alongside faculty and administrators. Ability to work with faculty and research staff with diverse research interests. Ability to work in a team environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines. Ability to make procedural decisions and judgments.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provides proposal development support by identifying, analyzing, and distributing requests for proposal. Reviews and prepares small to large and complex proposal submissions with accuracy to enhance the ability of NMSU to conduct research and retain high-quality researchers and students.
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements of the Position
Department Contact: Stephanie Schumacher, 575-646-1590, sschum@nmsu.edu
Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding
Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
Recruitment Summary
We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.
NMSU Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.
NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.
Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.
Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.
Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
EEO Statement
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.
