Description
About the Society for Neuroscience
Founded in 1969, the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) now has more than 36,000 members in more than 95 countries. Year-round programming includes the publishing of two highly regarded scientific journals, JNeurosci and eNeuro; professional development resources and career training through Neuronline¸ the Society’s home for learning and discussion; science advocacy and public policy engagement including annual Capitol Hill Day; and a variety of engaging public outreach efforts, led by the expanding and interactive collection of public-facing resources on BrainFacts.org. SfN’s annual meeting regularly attracts more than 30,000 attendees, representing 80 countries; 536 exhibiting companies; and close to 300 journalists.
SfN exists to:
Advance scientific exchange;
Support the neuroscience community;
Educate and engage the public; and
Advocate for the field.
Position Summary
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) seeks a highly skilled development professional to serve as the primary lead for institutional grant funding and as a writer and strategist for funding proposals across federal, foundation, and corporate sources, as well as sponsorships and major gifts. This role is responsible for writing and managing funding documents including concept papers, letters of inquiry, proposals, agreements, and reports.
The Institutional Development Specialist leads narrative development and coordination of SfN's institutional grant funding submissions, ensuring alignment with funder priorities and strong articulation of SfN's mission and impact. This position reports to the Director of Grants & Development and works closely with staff, organizational leadership, and external stakeholders.
Essential Job Functions
Essential job functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Serve as the primary lead for federal, foundation, and corporate grant proposals, including research, strategy development, and proposal writing.
Develop compelling cases for support aligned with SfN's mission, strategic priorities, and scientific impact.
Manage the full grant lifecycle including proposal submission, interim and final reporting, renewals, and closeout.
Support major and planned gift proposals, including drafting targeted narratives and impact reports.
Assist with institutional giving efforts tied to the SfN Annual Meeting and sponsorships.
Conduct prospect research on foundations, corporations, and government agencies to identify funding opportunities.
Coordinate with the Society’s program staff, finance team, and leadership to gather information required for proposals and reports.
Ensure compliance with all funder requirements and maintain accurate records.
Work collaboratively with staff, volunteer leaders, and external stakeholders.
Maintain accurate grant records in SfN’s contacts and grants management systems.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
3-6 years of experience in grants, institutional fundraising, or development, with demonstrated success in proposal development and reporting.
Experience working with scientific societies, research organizations, or higher education preferred.
Direct experience with federal grants (e.g., NIH, NSF) strongly preferred.
Qualifications
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Highly organized, detail oriented, and proactive in problem-solving.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills across teams and with senior leadership.
Strategic thinking and fundraising acumen.
Comfort working with scientific, technical, or data-driven content.
Ability to write comprehensive proposals, reports, and donor communications.
Ability to conduct prospect research and track funding trends.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, CRM systems, and ability to learn new software quickly.
Ability to work independently and set priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Location
Currently, SfN is able to offer positions to residents of the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY. This list is subject to change, and we encourage interested applicants to check back regularly for updates.
Remote: Employees can work remotely in the U.S. as part of a 35-hour workweek with core hours from 10am-3pm Eastern time. A reliable high-speed internet connection is essential. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, site visits, or the SfN Annual Meeting.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee may be required to travel.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
During SfN’s Annual Meeting, the employee may do extensive walking, sitting, and lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds.
Benefits
Comprehensive health plan through United Healthcare with a fully funded HRA up to $1,500, plus dental and vision coverage through MetLife
Remote and hybrid work flexibility
40-52 days of annual paid time off based on tenure, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave
20 days of paid parental leave for new parents
Retirement plans with employer contributions up to 8%
Education assistance
ASAE memberships
Wellness and technology stipend
Flexible Fridays
Employee assistance plans
Life and disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts
How to apply
Interested applicants may submit their cover letter and resume online. Go to https://www.sfn.org/ and navigate to "Jobs at SfN" under Quick Links. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls/emails, please.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Society for Neuroscience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Please apply online here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=8b6d41ce-5cc2-495d-a05b-f868a0835315&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=534582&lang=en_US&source=CC2
