Associate Director, Proposal Writing

JOB SUMMARY               

The Associate Director, Proposal Writing reports to the Director of Proposal Writing and will focus on writing, structuring, and organizing fundraising proposals and materials and other key communications that speak to the priorities, needs and accomplishments of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine for the University’s most prominent donors. The incumbent will liaise with development officers, University leaders, and content specialists (such as faculty, physicians and researchers) to develop strategic and persuasive proposals that utilize customized content and messages and develop and regularly update critical boilerplate information on priority areas/projects. As such, they should be adept at communicating complex scientific ideas accurately and dynamically to a wide audience base. The Associate Director, Proposal Writing, gathers facts, figures, personal stories, and evidence of the University’s impact that contribute to the development of compelling content. Additionally, the incumbent manages with limited oversight all aspects of the proposal development process —from request to completion— including deliverables from subject matter experts, designers, administrators, etc. Finally, the Associate Director, Proposal Writing, should remain flexible, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with content partners to ensure a smooth proposal development process, approval with numerous stakeholders, and adherence to the timeline developed for each proposal.

JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

• Writes, edits and finalizes fundraising proposals with specific focus on priority projects of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and STEM-related areas

• Proofreads and fact-checks documents before publishing and advises management of any identified corrections

• Serves as a liaison to all assigned department staff units to effectively plan and support content related to their objectives and follows up with team members for feedback and revisions

• Manages proposal project team with limited supervision, developing effective project timeline and communication plan

• Accomplishes department goals by accepting full ownership for completing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job quality and outcome

• Works with development officers and University leadership to conceptualize and build solicitation strategy

• Provides direction and oversight to supporting freelance writers and support/project staff and designers

• Supports Director of Proposal Writing on strategic approaches within the context of campus-wide proposals or vision documents

• Develops and maintains a sitemap for indexing and archiving content

• Create templates and 'boilerplate' documents to support the proposal development infrastructure; maintain a knowledge base of priority projects/areas

• Monitors website performance and coordinates focus groups, user tests, and surveys to analyze and meet audience needs

• Assures content creation aligns with the University’s overall messaging and content strategy

• Helps maintain a library of research around key university fundraising priorities and prospects with specific focus on the University Miami Miller School of Medicine and STEM fields

• Conducts research to thoroughly understand content topics and related initiatives and activities

• Prepares and manages a work plan to ensure timely submission of proposals

• Develops content and facilitates training for department staff on topics on or related to proposal writing

• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                        

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is required

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in relation to scientific and/or medical knowledge and/or science communication background; management and experience working in medical and/or university-setting preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Knowledge of business and management principles

• Ability to cover a wide range of topics, specifically and including the synthesis of complex scientific and medical information

• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others

• Proven exceptional writing and editing skills

• Versatility in a range of formats

• Proven ability strategic thinking and lead a team through strategic development ability to synthesize large amounts of information and compose clear and persuasive prose

• Attention to detail and exceptional editing and proofreading skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to facilitate mutual understanding and work effectively with a wide variety of people, including faculty, administrators, development colleagues, donors, alumni, and students

• Strong commitment to client service

• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact

• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and maintaining personal networks

• Understanding of best practices and metrics for project success

• Proven and demonstrated computer (PC) and software skills, including Microsoft Office Suite programs, MS Project, Adobe Acrobat, Internet-based information gathering, email systems and file structures.