New

Strategic/Competitive Intelligence Specialist II

University of Central Florida
life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, remote work
United States, Florida, Orlando
May 29, 2025
Office of Research: At UCF, research isn't confined to the lab-it's shaping industries, strengthening communities and fueling the economic growth of Central Florida. The UCF Office of Research is comprised of several units and departments, including the Research Development Team. Our Research Development Team helps UCF researchers identify potential funding opportunities and craft competitive proposals. We offer informational workshops, provide hands-on proposal development support, assist with targeted funding searches, and coordinate limited submissions and internal research programs. The Opportunity: Reporting to the Director of Research Development (RD), the Strategic/Competitive Intelligence Specialist II will be a critical member of the RD Team in supporting data-related initiatives and decision making to position the university and its faculty/research teams for success. This person will develop a portfolio of information, reports, and products to aid leadership in making informed decisions regarding strategic research areas and funding opportunities and assess outcomes from significant research investments. Additionally, will analyze federal/foundation funding sponsors and institutional characteristics and data, identify areas of strength, recommend collaborations, expand awareness of data initiatives, and utilize tools for influencing UCF's strategic planning, relevant policies, and programs, with data-based insights to help UCF achieve institutional research goals. Responsibilities: Leads timely and ethical gathering/queries of information for CI, including data and information about but not limited to federal budget, sponsors, programs, publications, program metrics, institutional and college-level characteristics, funding opportunities, faculty research data and surveys, and human intelligence. Works with RD and EARLIER in planning and leading strategic meetings related to identified areas of strategic importance to aid in research funding, growing awareness, team formation, proposal preparation, policy changes, and training. Participates in planning meetings with leadership as directed. Supports RD and EARLIER (large proposal support) initiatives and events, assists with tailored CI analysis, institutional information, trend mapping, and supports strategy, planning, data collection, and tracking. Provides ad hoc data requests and reports to support RD initiatives and EARLIER. Reports and data will be maintained in a portfolio for recurring updates and future use as specified. Helps lead, implement, and improve data-focused research initiatives (e.g., researcher keyword databases, vendor software usage, data repositories, matchmaking, targeted analyses, tracking, and data trainings), including coordination with partner offices (internal/external). Supports, seeks feedback, and makes recommendations with regard to tracking programs, CI reports, data tracking and forecasting, targeted evaluation, institutional trends, and metrics reporting. Stays up to date on related news, data tools, data sources, leadership needs, analytics, and trends in research analytics, funding, and national/state priorities. Liaises and coordinates with internal partners (e.g., Central/Unit pre- and post- award research admins, GRIT, communications) and external partners (e.g., funding agency award database managers) to support continuous CI support foundation and growth/improvement. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219. Click here for more information. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience in competitive intelligence, strategic planning, research development, or a similar data- and insight-driven role. Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and leveraging data for making actionable recommendations. Ability to clearly explain data findings through storytelling, with proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI, R, or Python). Proficiency in interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies to ensure compliance during proposal review and submission process. Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced research environment. Strong problem-solving skills with the capacity to identify issues and proactively propose solutions. Commitment to delivering excellent customer service, demonstrating keen attention to detail and a strong focus on compliance throughout the process. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to various stakeholders. Special Instructions to the Applicants: The anticipated salary range for this position is $56,030 - $62,333.25. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations. Hybrid work schedule or remote work within the state of Florida may be considered based upon specific circumstances and candidate qualifications. If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety. This is a Contract and Grant (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted. Classification Title: Data Analyst II Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential? As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck. Working at UCF has its perks!UCF offers: Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays Retirement savings options Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions Education assistance Flexible work environment And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide. Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF. Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins. #LI-REMOTE Department Office of Research - Operations Work Schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Schedule may vary as required. Type of Appointment Regular Expected Salary $56,030.00 to Negotiable Job Posting End Date 06-12-2025-12-00-AM As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.