SRCS Contract Specialist III

Overview The salary range for this position is $6,333.34 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 July 27, 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 Contracting Services (SRCS) department plays a critical role in supporting research, innovation, and scientific advancement at SDSU.  The SRCS team reviews, negotiates, and accepts sponsored research agreements from federal agencies, state organizations, foundations, nonprofit entities, universities, and industry partners.  The team also develops and negotiates outgoing subawards that support collaborative research initiatives across the globe.  Our work helps researchers navigate complex contracting requirements while safeguarding institutional interests and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and policies. Responsibilities YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE Are you a strategic negotiator who enjoys solving complex problems and building collaborative relationships? As a Contract Specialist III, you will serve as a trusted advisor and lead negotiator for sponsored research agreements that support groundbreaking research and innovation. You will partner with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders to transform funding opportunities into fully executed agreements that enable research to move forward. This role is ideal for a professional who combines strong analytical skills with sound judgment, negotiation expertise, and a passion for supporting higher education research. THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE In this high impact role, you will: Serve as the primary contracting liaison between project directors, principal investigators, and external funding sponsors. Negotiate sponsored research agreements, grants, contracts, and other related funding instruments. Analyze and negotiate contract terms to ensure compliance with university policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal, state, and international regulations Develop creative solutions to complex contractual and compliance challenges while effectively managing institutional risk. Collaborate with subject matter experts, draft, and negotiate provisions related to intellectual property, publication rights, indemnification, export controls, and other research-related terms. Support award transitions and process improvements that enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness. Contribute to the development of agreements that enable transformative research, scholarship, and creative activities. Qualifications Experience and Education Bachelor’s degree, or combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a university, research or non-profit organization or related field. Contract review and contract negotiation experience are required. At least four years of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in contract review and negotiation. Preferred Qualifications 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 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, inclu