SRCS Contract Specialist III

San Diego State University Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Our Sponsored Research Contracting Services (SRCS) department supports the Foundation’s mission by managing the receipt, review, and negotiating of sponsored program awards from public agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and private industry partners. SRCS also prepares and issues sub-agreements associated with sponsored programs. Throughout the negotiation and award process, the department works closely with Pre‑Award (SR Development), Post‑Award (SR Administration), the Office of Technology Transfer, and SDSU’s Research Support Services to ensure all awards and agreements comply with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations. As a Contract Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting sponsored projects by serving as the primary liaison between the Project Director and the funding sponsor. In this role, you will review, draft, and negotiate agreements in collaboration with institutional subject matter experts to secure favorable, compliant terms that support both the project’s goals and the institution’s interests. You will ensure all agreements align with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and sponsor expectations, while identifying potential risks and recommending solutions that protect the institution. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a detail‑oriented, collaborative environment and can effectively balance the needs of multiple stakeholders. This position is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build skills in drafting and negotiating research contracts or expand upon existing research contracting experience. As a Contract Specialist, you will review, analyze, negotiate, and document a variety of contractual agreements and sub‑agreements while serving as the primary point of contact for terms and conditions negotiations. You will interpret policies, regulations, and award requirements; communicate directly with sponsoring agencies; and ensure agreements comply with institutional, governmental, and regulatory standards. You will also support award transitions and collaborate closely with the Senior Director and Associate Director to enhance service for SDSURF, SDSU, and funding sponsors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a university, research or non-profit organization or related field.
Four years of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in contract review and negotiation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Ellucian Banner, InfoEd, Etrieve or other related electronic systems
Experience working with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU policies and procedures.
Familiarity with pre-award and post award research administration

Responsibilities

review, analyze, negotiate, and document a variety of contractual agreements and sub‑agreements while serving as the primary point of contact for terms and conditions negotiations
interpret policies, regulations, and award requirements
communicate directly with sponsoring agencies
ensure agreements comply with institutional, governmental, and regulatory standards
support award transitions
collaborate closely with the Senior Director and Associate Director to enhance service for SDSURF, SDSU, and funding sponsors.

Benefits

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