Grant Specialist I, II, or III

Overview

Overview:

The SDSU Research Foundation has an available position in the post award department within the Sponsored Research Services (SRS) Division.  The SRS Division supports the research mission of San Diego State University in the areas of grant development and administration, including: developing and submitting proposals; negotiating grant and contract award and subawards; and administering grants, contracts, research support funds and other campus and community programs.  In addition, the division provides administrative support for gift funds on behalf of The Campanile Foundation.

The SR Administration (SRA), Grant Specialist is responsible for the post award administration, compliance and fiscal management of sponsored programs including the preparing and analyzing cost projections.  The incumbent is directly responsible for managing an assigned portfolio of funds, applying specialized knowledge, and understanding, interpreting and effectively communicating complex federal regulations and internal policies and procedures. 

Responsibilities:

•  Analyze and monitor contractual agreements and grant awards to ensure awards are managed in accordance with administrative restrictions, reporting and compliance requirements. 
• Regularly interact with principal investigators to provide information regarding sponsor agency regulations and requirements; advise PI’s on Research Foundation, San Diego State University, California State University System, and funding agency policies applicable to their awards. 
• Act as a liaison with funding agency contacts and work with principal investigators to submit notifications and requests for prior approvals. 
• Provide detailed, comprehensive financial guidance and cost projections on projects funded from both public and private sources with multiple performance periods and varying administrative requirements. 
• Regularly interact with principal investigators and management to provide financial advice, business support, analytic services, general accounting, and corrective action planning.  
• Manage projects with consideration to service, audits and compliance.  Review and approve all expenditures and cost transfers with consideration for internal policy and procedures, sponsor restrictions, regulatory compliance, and availability of funds. 
• Inform and advise PI’s and project personnel on grant and contract restrictions to ensure regulatory compliance. Enforce restrictions to protect against audit disallowance or non-reimbursement of expenditures and provide guidance on alternative options as appropriate.
• Responsible for oversight and fiscal monitoring of subagrements including review and approval of expenditures, internal audits in conjunction with payment requests, rebudgeting, compliance issues, cost sharing, and problem resolution.   
• Monitor and document cost sharing in accordance with sponsor reporting and audit requirements.  Work proactively to ensure cost sharing obligations are met.  Identify areas of concern and work with investigators, SRA management, and sponsor agencies to negotiate modifications to cost sharing requirements.
• Conduct closeout audits to ensure all compliance and award specific requirements have been met and documentation is complete and audit ready. 

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current computer and office automation equipment and software, ability to learn new electronic systems; develop skills to effectively use information systems and applications in analysis, research and reporting activities and projects and effectively use these systems in analysis, research and reporting activities and projects.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, sponsor agency reporting requirements, audit policies and federal regulations specifically 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
• Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices to include complex calculations across multiple funding sources and the ability to prepare and present financial analysis of funds to PI’s in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to effectively communicate strategies when communicating with PIs, university administrators, RF staff, and agency representatives; communicates effectively with representatives from outside entities and high-level Foundation and University staff and handle potentially sensitive situations.
• Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively and understands the broad impact and effects of issues at the department, division or organizational level and take proactive measures to recommend enhancements and improvements to processes.
• Ability to determine when regulations have room for interpretation and apply sound judgment in determining solutions to complex issues where no clear guidance in regulations exist.
• Ability to share expertise, serve in a back-up capacity, mentor and provide training to Grant Specialists and/or project staff.
• Ability to use independent professional judgment in situations that are different from the typical daily experience.
• Demonstrated strong planning and organizing skills with the ability to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to utilize internal and external information systems and accounting applications in analysis, research and reporting activities and other projects and regularly shares this expertise within the department as across the SRS Division.
• Ability to interpret and applying terms and conditions in conjunction with institutional policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple deadlines and tasks with tact and diplomacy under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (GRANT SPECIALIST SERIES)

GRANT SPECIALIST I

• 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.
• Experience with interpreting and applying terms and conditions in conjunction with institutional policies and procedures.

 GRANT SPECIALIST II

• 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.
• 1 year of direct experience in the field of research administration

 GRANT SPECIALIST III

• 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. 
• 4 year of direct experience in the field of research administration

 Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills

• Experience working with governmental accounting principles, sponsor agency reporting requirements, audit policies and federal circulars A-133, 2 CFR Parts 215 and 220, 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Experience working in research administration in either a pre-award or post award capacity.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• Due to COVID-19, this position is temporarily  permitting telework. It is anticipated that the assignments will transition back to an in-office and/or hybrid work environment when San Diego County restrictions are lifted.
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer
• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation.

The COVID-19 vaccine is required by the CSU for all SDSU Research Foundation employees as a condition of employment.   Should you be offered a position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination status.  Individuals who obtain an approved medical or religious exemption on file will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing.