• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after April 1, 2024.
• The salary range for this position is $6,3333 - $7,076 per month per depending upon qualifications and internal equities and is non-negotiable. 
• Candidate must reside within a commutable distance from SDSU. 

SPONSORED RESEARCH CONTRACTING AND COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

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

Our Sponsored Research Contracting and Compliance (SRCC) department supports the Foundation’s mission by providing effective award negotiations, initiating the subcontracting process for sponsored programs.  SRCC works closely with Sponsored Research Development (preaward) and Sponsored Research Administration (post award), the Office of Technology Transfer, as well as SDSU’s Research Support Services (compliance) to ensure that compliance, policies and procedures are adhered to in the negotiation and awarding processes.  SRCC is also responsible for the institution’s Facility Security Clearance.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

As the Contract Specialist, you will serve as a liaison between the project director and the funding sponsor, in addition to developing and working closely with a variety of institutional subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure that the best terms and conditions are negotiated and obtained for the project director and institution, including adhering to compliance requirements, while meeting the needs of the funding sponsor. 

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

This position is ideal for someone looking to gain skills related to drafting and negotiating research contracts or expand on current research contracting experience.

As the Contract Specialist, you will review, analyze, negotiate and document contractual agreements and sub-agreements.  You will be the primary contact for negotiation and acceptance of terms and conditions, analyze and develop solutions related to awards and sub-agreements, interpret rules, regulations and policies to specific work scopes and award terms, and correspond with sponsoring agencies. 

You will handle policy compliance by assisting in the formulation of processes and procedures for negotiation of contract awards, review contract and sub-agreements for government/regulatory compliance with policies and statutes, review new legislation, and coordinate with SDSU Offices of Research Affairs, Business and Financial Affairs and Environmental Health and Safety. You will act as a resource and liaison in the transition of awards and work with the Director to enhance procedures to improve services to SDSURF, SDSU and sponsor agencies.

This position is ideal for someone looking to gain skills related to drafting and negotiating research contracts or expand on current research contracting experience.

THE SKILLS WE NEED

Experience and Education

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in business administration, or a closely related field or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five years of related experience including a minimum of 3 years of experience in contract review, contract compliance, contract negotiations, legal review of contracts or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in contract negotiations, drafting contracts and sub-agreements.
• Experience working with contracting guidelines and regulations.
• Experience working with grants and contracts.

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:

• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer