Grant Specialist II or III

Overview

The salary range for this position is $5,720.00 to $6,333.34 per month and is non-negotiable. 

This position is open until filled with a first application review to take place on October 20, 2025.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to focus on realizing the research objectives of San Diego State University, and to be the backbone for faculty and staff to find, attract, win, and administer their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. The SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to realize these discoveries, interventions, and solutions that make a difference.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

The Sponsored Research Administration (SRA) department provides support and assistance to faculty on the administration, compliance and fiscal management of grants and contracts awarded from federal, state, local government, and private funding agencies.  Our team of professionals work closely with faculty throughout the life cycle of an award to help them navigate the complexities of managing sponsored programs.  The SRA team also ensures that grant and contract funds are administered in accordance with funding agency and university requirements.   

In addition to externally funded research and scholarly activities, the department also supports the administration of gift funds on behalf of The Campanile Foundation, SDSU’s campus and community programs, and research support funds. 

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Grant Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the advancement of the research mission of  Research Foundation and San Diego State University.  Using specialized experience in research administration, you will support faculty research activities to ensure funding agency and university requirements are met, directly impacting SDSU’s reputation as a leading research institution.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

As a Grant Specialist, you will join a team of professionals who are aligned with the Research Foundation’s mission to support and advance research.  You will play a key role in the administration, compliance and fiscal management of sponsored programs, campus and community programs, gift funds and other research support funds.   Grant Specialists serve as a primary point of contact for faculty and work directly with them throughout the life of an award providing guidance on administrative processes such as hiring personnel, purchasing supplies,  projecting costs, interpreting complex policies and regulations, and securing sponsor agency approvals for grant related actions.   The work you do to support the management of grants and contracts provides faculty with time needed to focus on the research activities that will continue to advance the institution’s research mission.

Qualifications

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• An individual with knowledge and understanding of governmental accounting principles, federal regulations, and sponsor agency policies.
• The Grant Specialist should have strong mathematical and analytical skills with the ability to create complex calculations across multiple funding sources and to prepare and present a financial information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate complex policy and financial information to PIs, university administrators, RF staff, and agency representatives.
• The Grant Specialist should be detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and use independent judgement and initiative to develop solutions and address issues proactively.

• We need an individual with the ability to establish partnering relationships with faculty and project staff that result in enhanced communication and positive working relationship.

THE QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

Minimum Education & Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of progressive responsibility in a university, research or non-profit organization or related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience  AND….

Grant Specialist II:  One year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in post award research administration or related field.

Grant Specialist III: Four years related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration with a focus on post award activities

Preferred Qualification & Special Skills:

• Experience with Ellucian Banner, Etrieve, or other related electronic systems
• Experience working with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU policies and procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field
• Familiarity with pre-award research administration

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete.  Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.