This position is budgeted for $7,083.33 - $7,916.67 per month depending on qualifications and is non-negotiable.

At San Diego State University's (SDSU’s) HealthLINK Center for Transdisciplinary Health Research (SDSU HealthLINK Center), our vision is to inspire transformational and collaborative research that promotes health and well-being for all people and communities. Our collective efforts are driven by a team that includes wide-ranging expertise at all levels of our organization. We are based a short 1.2 miles off the SDSU campus.  We offer comprehensive benefits that support the overall well-being and quality of life of our employees.

Funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) through a U54 Cooperative Agreement, the SDSU HealthLINK Center offers a wide range of research services, including expertise in multiple research methods, supporting varied research needs, and data analytics applications across the university to enhance health research. The SDSU HealthLINK Center supports research projects led by SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley (SDSU IV), and SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF)  investigators, affiliated partner organizations, and industry partners, including those funded as Center Research Projects, as Pilot Projects, or who access our services through a cost recovery system.   

The Associate Director is a highly visible executive position that supports the Center’s Co-Directors in carrying out the Center’s mission to foster meaningful, high-quality, transdisciplinary research. The Associate Director will report to the Co-Directors but work at a high level of autonomy. The Associate Director will oversee the Center’s research administrative and programmatic functions and lead the Administrative Core to ensure the successful completion of the Center’s objectives. They will lead the orchestration of the annual progress report (RPPR) and supervise the management team in implementing various Center systems. Regular communication with Co-Directors, management team, and Core and Project Co-Leaders is essential to ensure activities are on target and deadlines are met. The Associate Director will ensure that the Center’s research and programmatic work is in compliance with institutional and federal guidelines. They will represent the Center in various forums, enhancing its visibility and expanding its network. This includes fostering strong relationships with administrative leadership across SDSU, SDSU IV, and SDSURF (e.g., Division of Research and Innovation, Grants and Contracts, Research Compliance, Deans’ offices, Provost), other centers in the Research Center for Minority Institutions (RCMI) Network, and NIMHD. 

The Associate Director will bring broad scientific knowledge and significant research administration experience to support the vision, mission, and values of the Center. The ideal candidate will have a master’s or doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent), demonstrate strategic thinking, and have senior-level research experience.

The Associate Director is responsible for (but not limited to):

Leadership 35%

• In collaboration with the Executive team (Co-Directors & Management team), lead the successful completion of the Center’s Administrative Core and OVERALL Specific Aims. 
• Lead the orchestration of the annual progress report (RPPR), including leading the drafting of the Administrative Core and OVERALL sections. 
• Lead the submission of extramural funding applications, including renewal of the U54 cooperative agreement.
• Lead the Management team to implement Center systems of research administration, research compliance, information technology, finance, communication, evaluation, human resources, and facilities.
• Liaison between the Center and the Grants Management Specialist at NIMHD, responding to requests in a timely manner. 
• Lead Center efforts to ensure compliance with SDSU, SDSU IV, SDSURF, and federal guidelines.
• Provide strategic oversight and final approval of subcontracts and MOUs to ensure alignment with Center goals and compliance with institutional and federal regulations

Center Compliance and Coordination 35%

• Maintain routine contact with the Co-Directors, Core Co-Leaders, and Center Management to ensure coordination and administration of Center activities are on target and within established deadlines.
• When complex issues arise, collaborate with Center Co-Directors, Co-Leaders, and/or management and policy experts for resolution.
• Collaborate with the Research Manager and Budget and Finance Manager to support Center Research Project Leaders in implementing their project plans and ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements. 
• Review and provide feedback on the Research Project sections of the RPPR, the Research Project 6-month interim reports, and the Research Project presentations to the NAC and CC.
• Oversee Center compliance specific to risk management and conflicts of interest. 
• Collaborate with the CEC Coordinator and Budget and Finance Manager on scope, budget, and issue resolution for subcontracts and MOUs with Center Research Projects, Pilot Projects, and Core partners.
• Perform supervisory duties for the Budget and Finance Manager, Administrative Operations Manager, Research Manager, Evaluation Lead, and Computer System Administrator. 
  • Ensure compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies, time and attendance, and training
  • Approve timesheets and manage schedules
  • Provide feedback to assigned staff, including evaluating performance and managing performance issues as needed
  • Participate in recruitment activities for new personnel and inform staff retention efforts, and
  • Support a positive, collaborative, and inclusive organizational culture.
• Collaborate with Center team members to ensure implementation and adherence with Center-wide dissemination efforts, including the Center’s dissemination plans and publication compliance.

Center Relations  30%

• Facilitate the engagement of the National Advisory Committee, including orchestrating the Center’s twice-annual National Advisory Committee meetings and responses to feedback
• Facilitate a variety of meetings (i.e., twice yearly Center Co-Leaders, twice monthly Executive Team, monthly Cross Core Collaboration, additional meetings as needed).
• Prepare meeting materials for other special meetings (e.g., between Co-Directors and NIMHD Program Official; Co-Directors and university leaders)
• Represent the Center and Co-Directors in relevant forums, with stakeholders, community partner organizations, and Center members to enhance visibility, expand the network, and serve as the point of contact within the RCMI Network, including attending RCMI Coordinating Center Project Director and Administrator meetings. 
• Review marketing efforts on behalf of the Center, including approving materials as requested by the RCMI Coordinating Center, NIMHD, and institutional leaders.
• Coordinate communications with Research Project and Administrative Supplement leaders to support training and collaboration to support the advancement of their research. 

Knowledge & Abilities 

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including administrators, researchers, community partners, industry partners, policymakers, and funding agencies.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, ethical considerations, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with grant and funding processes, including proposal development, for the National Institutes of Health.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive innovation.
• Understanding of compliance requirements in research settings to support various types of research, from biomedical to intervention research projects. 
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations in grant development and management. 
• Strong commitment to quality, integrity, and responsible research practices.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of program planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and EndNote.
• Ability to independently develop and/or interpret a wide variety of complex policies and procedures integral to the program/project to which the position is assigned.
• Ability to document and communicate operational processes, procedures, and outcomes effectively.
• Ability to cultivate working relationships at all levels of an organization, including with PIs, Co-Leaders, project staff, and other SDSU SDSU IV and SDSURF faculty and staff.
• Well organized, able to meet deadlines, detail-oriented, possess good judgment, and common sense.
• Skilled in record keeping and quality control.
• Ability to write well, including clear and concise reports and correspondence. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and relevant work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
  
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in an office or administrative environment

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Master’s Degree or higher.
• Fluently bilingual in both English/Spanish-language reading, writing, and speaking.
• Knowledge of CSU and/or SDSURF policy and procedures, and their affiliated software systems.

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.