The salary range for this position is $6,334.00 to $7,430.38  per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on May 1, 2025.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for 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. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

Our Sponsored Research Contracting and Compliance (SRCC) department plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation’s mission. We provide effective award negotiations and initiate the subcontracting process for sponsored programs. SRCC collaborates closely with Sponsored Research Development (pre-award), Sponsored Research Administration (post-award), the Office of Technology Transfer, and SDSU’s Research Support Services (compliance) to ensure adherence to compliance, policies, and procedures throughout the negotiation and awarding processes.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

As the Contract Specialist, you will act as a vital link between the project director and the funding sponsor. You will also collaborate closely with various institutional subject matter experts (SMEs) to negotiate and secure the best terms and conditions for both the project director and the institution. This includes ensuring compliance with all relevant requirements while addressing 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 and will analyze and develop solutions related to awards and sub-agreements, interpret rules, regulations and policies to specific work scopes and award terms, and correspond directly with sponsoring agencies. 

You will ensure policy compliance by reviewing contracts and sub-agreements for government/regulatory compliance with policies and statutes, and reviewing new legislation. Additionally, you will act as a resource and liaison during the transition of awards and work with the Director and Associate Director to enhance procedures to improve services to SDSURF, SDSU, and sponsor agencies.

THE SKILLS WE NEED

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent related experience) 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 

• 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.