About
I help research offices win the proposals that fund their mission.
I'm Kyle Elliott, an independent proposal strategist and research development consultant. Over fifteen years, I've sat on both sides of the process — as a research administrator reading solicitations line by line, and as a proposal manager running the teams that respond to them.
That combination shapes how I work: equal parts compliance discipline and narrative strategy. APMP Foundation & Practitioner Certified · 15+ years in research development. I've managed proposals from single-PI grants to nine-figure, multi-institution centers, and I now bring that experience to institutions as an outside partner — often at the moments that matter most.
Path here
Fifteen years in and around research funding
2010
Started as a research administrator, learning the compliance side of federal awards from the ground up.
2014
Moved into proposal development for a large research university, leading submissions across NSF, NIH, and DoD.
2018
Earned APMP Practitioner certification and began leading center-scale, multi-institution proposals.
2021
Took on interim research development leadership roles, rebuilding proposal processes at growing institutions.
2024
Began independent consulting, plus early work on responsible AI adoption in research development offices.
Today
Advising universities, federal labs, and research institutes on proposal strategy, management, and AI enablement.
How I work
A few things I believe about proposals
Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling
A compliant proposal that doesn't score well is still a loss. I build processes that hit both bars at once.
Process protects creativity
A disciplined schedule and matrix free your scientists to do their best writing instead of firefighting.
AI has a place, with guardrails
Used well, AI tools save real time. Used carelessly, they create compliance and integrity risk. Both are true.
Institutional knowledge should outlast me
Every engagement leaves your team with documented process, not just a submitted proposal.
Curious if this is a fit?
A short call is usually enough to tell. No pitch deck, just a candid conversation about your opportunity and timeline.