Center Administrative Manager

About the role

The position is budgeted for $6,250.00 - $7,654.33 per month, depending on qualifications and is non-negotiable. The SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) supports research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs.

Responsibilities

• Administrative Leadership (40%)

  • Manage the Center’s Administrative Core, including systems of administration, compliance, information technology, finance, communication, evaluation, human resources, and facilities.
  • Lead the National Advisory Committee meetings, preparing materials and reviewing Research Project and Core presentations.
  • Submit the annual NIH progress report (RPPR), ensuring compliance with RPPR procedures.
  • Ensure compliance with SDSU, SDSU IV, SDSURF, and federal guidelines, including risk management, conflicts of interest, and human subjects regulations.
  • Submit extramural funding applications, including drafting, reviewing, and editing components of the U54 cooperative agreement.
  • Represent the Center in various forums, enhancing its visibility and expanding its network.

• Center Coordination (55%)

  • Coordinate activities of the Center through managing meetings and their follow-up, including the Center’s Executive team, Cross-Core meetings, and other Project and Core Leaders’ meetings.
  • Support Center Research Project Leaders in implementing their project plans and ensuring compliance with funding agency requirements.
  • Collaborate with the CEC Coordinator and Finance Manager on scope, budget, and issue resolution for subcontracts and MOUs with community partners.
  • Provide final approval of subcontracts and MOUs to ensure alignment with Center goals and compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
  • Coordinate communications with Research Project and Administrative Supplement Leaders to support training and the advancement of their research.
  • Perform supervisory duties for the Finance Manager, Operations Manager, Evaluation Lead, and Computer System Administrator.

• Other Center Duties as Assigned (5%)

  • Represent the Center and Co-Directors in relevant forums, with stakeholders, community partner organizations, and Center members.
  • Prepare dissemination (e.g., posters, manuscripts, reports) and marketing materials.
  • Support the Center Co-Directors for resolution of complex issues.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including administrators, researchers, community partners, industry partners, policymakers, and funding agencies.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, ethical considerations, and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with grant and funding processes, including proposal development, for the National Institutes of Health.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify opportunities, overcome challenges, and drive innovation.
• Understanding of compliance requirements in research settings to support various types of research, from biomedical to intervention research projects.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations in grant development and management.
• Strong commitment to quality, integrity, and responsible research practices.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of program planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and EndNote.
• Ability to independently develop and/or interpret a wide variety of complex policies and procedures integral to the program/project to which the position is assigned.
• Ability to document and communicate operational processes, procedures, and outcomes effectively.
• Ability to cultivate working relationships with varied individuals within an academic organization, including with faculty and staff.
• Well organized, able to meet deadlines, detail-oriented, possess good judgment, and common sense.
• Skilled in record keeping and quality control.
• Ability to write well, including clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Cross-cultural sensitivity.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and relevant work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.
• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in an office or administrative environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Master’s Degree or higher.
• Fluently bilingual in both English/Spanish-language reading, writing, and speaking.
• Experience working in an academic environment, including experience working with faculty.
• Experience managing and/or working under National Institute of Health funding.
• Experience with human subjects research.
• Knowledge of CSU and/or SDSURF policy and procedures, and their affiliated software systems.