Program Specialist I

San Diego State University Research Foundation

13h•$5,895 - $6,300

About The Position

The starting salary range for this position is $5895 - $6300 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. The Program Manager will support the Principal Investigators to provide high-level administrative and operational oversight for the following research group and studies. Building Research Initiatives Advancing Global Health Equity (BRIDGE) works in Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, and locally in San Diego County. Current areas of research include interventions addressing: the alcohol-HIV syndemic, PrEP uptake and persistence, HIV/STI prevention, family planning, mental health, intimate partner violence, and research on reducing RSV burden. Our research is funded by the National Institutes of Health and other public and private funders. We collaborate with a robust portfolio of domestic and international researchers at Boston College, University of California San Francisco, University of California San Diego, Arizona State University, Makerere University, University of Ibadan, FIOCRUZ, University of California Los Angeles, University of Cape Town, and Johns Hopkins University, among others. For more information regarding BRIDGE, click here. The Tijuana River Pollution Project is a research initiative dedicated to characterizing the environmental transmission of contaminants in the South Bay and assessing their subsequent health impacts on the local community. By integrating scientific monitoring with comprehensive data collection, the project aims to advance environmental health and justice for residents and workers affected by this ongoing crisis. Learn more about the work of the Tijuana River Pollution Project here: https://tjriver.sdsu.edu/. The ideal candidate will act as a "right hand" to the Principal Investigator/s, ensuring all projects remain on track, compliant, and well-coordinated. The Program Manager will be responsible for providing management and supervision support to ensure the smooth operation of the day-to-day functions of the projects, including communication and flow of information among projects and between departments, implementing effective planning strategies, coordinating and preparing reports, monitoring budgets and personnel allocations, managing finances, coordinating meetings and activities, and assisting with study implementation where appropriate. Hours per week: 40 hours/week; may be adjusted to a minimum of 30 hours/week depending on funding availability. (Position remains 100% benefits-eligible at 30+ hours.)

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in appropriate field related to program/project, or additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis
Two years of progressively responsible experience in technical or administrative assignments.
Knowledge of basic management and supervision demonstrating strong leadership skills, providing effective direction and supervision to individuals and small groups
Knowledge of research methods, program planning, implementation, coordination and evaluation skills
Knowledge of project planning to include monitoring project goals, priorities, and staffing requirements
Knowledge of computer software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite; EndNote
Ability to work efficiently and independently while adhering to project timelines and milestones
Ability to independently interpret a wide variety of complex policies and procedures integral to the program/project to which the position is assigned
Ability to function effectively in a leadership role and project team setting
Ability to exercise considerable judgment
Ability to independently solve unusual as well as commonplace work problems
Ability to provide effective direction and supervision to individuals and groups
Ability to write well to include clear and concise reports and correspondence
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and interact effectively with a variety of people in a multidisciplinary team
Ability to present information on an individual and group basis
Ability to maintain harmonious relations and interact effectively, professionally and diplomatically with faculty, colleagues, students, and culturally diverse representatives of the community
Knowledge of employment practices such as hiring, retaining, scheduling, evaluating, disciplining, and training of employees
Ability to plan, coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement group decisions
Ability to define, develop and implement procedures
Ability to relate well to others within the project environment.
Ability to be highly motivated self-starter, displaying strong interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity
Ability to provide strong leadership skills including meeting facilitation, cross-functional team integration, strategic thinking and advising.
Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Public Health or related field
Proven project management experience within a research or academic environment.
Familiarity with SDSU Research Foundation policies and systems (MyRF, Emburse).
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities for multiple studies and/or multiple investigators.
Experience managing international research projects and collaborating with international partners
Prior experience in the preparation of written reports
Experience developing materials for behavioral/psychosocial health interventions including manuals, implementer training manuals, training skills assessment
Knowledge of manuscript writing, grant proposals, and other grant responsibilities such as summary or progress reports
Relevant regulatory experience (e.g., institutional research boards, funding agencies, data and quality management systems)
Experience updating websites and designing and posting social media.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day oversight of multiple projects; prioritize tasks and coordinate workflows to meet critical milestones.
Monitor study staff and student’s adherence to operational protocols and progress toward study goals.
As needed, conduct recruitment, hiring, and performance reviews.
Draft and submit progress reports in alignment with federal and agency reporting requirements and deadlines.
Serve as the primary liaison for SDSU and SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) policy adherence.
Monitor staff adherence to relevant SDSURF policies.
Assist with project implementation activities, such as designing/editing project/intervention training manuals and other study materials.
Maintain websites and design posts for social media.
Conduct website updates in WordPress (coordinating with CHHS as needed).
Craft engaging content and manage posts on key social media platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Use social media to amplify the project’s mission and disseminate study progress.
Complete IRB amendments and reports
Manage IRB amendments and reporting ensuring all project components are in compliance at all times.
Ensure appropriate research staff maintain active CITI training.
Manage local office hardware (laptops/tablets), including conducting biannual updates, tracking inventory, and distribution (as needed).
Facilitate meetings, develop agendas, and record minutes as appropriate.
Regularly monitor project budgets and personnel allocations.
Process purchase orders and requisitions via MyRF and manage P-Card purchases/reimbursements using Emburse.
Collaborate with SDSURF Grant Specialists to manage consultant contracts, subcontracts, personnel extensions, and other funding requests.
Support special projects and administrative tasks as requested by the Principal Investigators.
Depending on the candidate’s skill set, other duties may include: supporting data collection and data curation and manuscript preparation.
Conducts regular meetings with Principal Investigators to discuss progress; attends project meetings (team meetings, investigator meetings).
Completes all necessary training, including SDSU’s Institutional Review Board Human Subjects tutorial.
Attend SDSU Research Foundation training relevant to the position.