The salary range for this position is $8,666.67 to $10,223.86 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position works a hybrid in-office/remote schedule and the applicant must live within a commutable distance from San Diego State University in order to receive full consideration.

This position is open until filled with first review of candidates on September 30, 2026.

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.

Our vision is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations.

Our core values:

Service: We are a service organization that strives to provide superior support to the university community to achieve SDSU’s goals; we are committed to being professionally competent by setting high standards and working hard to achieve results; and we continually seek to improve our skills and capabilities by valuing education and professional development.

Collaboration: We seek to actively engage with our stakeholders and employees to identify issues and design solutions, build strong relationships grounded in trust, openness, and inclusion and achieve the best results by taking pride in the accomplishments of our colleagues.

Innovation: We work towards inspired solutions to improve and adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges, creative ways to streamline and enhance our delivery of services through resourceful and proactive problem solving and strategic use of technology and reduction of obstacles.

Respect: We promote a culture where every individual is valued and treated with dignity, we honor open-mindedness toward different viewpoints and ideas and have a genuine appreciation for varied backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.

Integrity: We are committed to acting with the highest ethical standards, with honesty, integrity, and transparency, provide consistent and accurate information and value and respect all individuals.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

The Sponsored Research Administration (SRA) department supports faculty with the administration, compliance, and financial management of grants and contracts from federal, state, local, and private funding sources. Our team works closely with faculty throughout the entire award life cycle, helping them navigate the complexities of managing sponsored programs. We ensure all grant and contract funds are administered in full compliance with funding agency and university requirements.

In addition to supporting externally funded research, SRA administers gift funds on behalf of The Campanile Foundation, along with SDSU’s campus and community programs and other research support funds.

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Manager 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 lead a team of professionals that 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 manager, you will be a member of the leadership team in the SRA department and Sponsored Research Services division who are dedicated to using their expertise in research administration and knowledge of the organization to positively impact staff morale, service, and business practices. You will also be responsible for the leadership of a team of professionals who are aligned with the Research Foundation’s mission to support and advance research. These professionals 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. Your leadership and support of 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.

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• An individual who is an effective supervisor and leader and provides guidance, clear direction, effective performance feedback and actively coaches and mentors their team.
• Broad knowledge and experience understanding, interpreting, and applying federal regulations and sponsor agency terms and conditions in conjunction with institutional policies and procedures with the ability to use independent professional judgment in situations that are different from the typical daily experience.
• An individual who uses advanced planning and organizational skills, ingenuity, and innovation to determine solutions to complex issues, recommend improvements to processes or conceive new approaches and solutions to address common challenges as well as complex problems and issues.
• Advanced skills and knowledge in utilizing internal and external information systems and accounting applications in analysis, research and reporting activities and other projects, including regularly sharing this expertise and directing special projects.
• 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.

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Accounting or related field or 4 years of progressive responsibility in an institution of higher education, research institution, or non-profit organization or related accounting experience.
• Five years of direct experience in the field of research administration. Two or more years of experience leading and supervising employees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience working in research administration in a post award office
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, sponsor agency reporting requirements, audit policies and federal regulations including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and the Federal Acquisition Regulations
• Previous experience using Ellucian Banner Finance system.
• Previous experience working in a university, related auxiliary organizations or non-profit environment.

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:

• The salary range for this position is $8,667.67 to $10,223.86 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.
• Hybrid Work Philosophy: We believe that a balanced approach to work—combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains strong, inclusive, and adaptable.
• 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.

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