Program Specialist I

Overview

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.)

 

Responsibilities

The Program Manager will be responsible for the following duties:

Project Oversight & Management (70%)

• 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.

Budget & Financial Management (20%)

• 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.

Other Duties (10%)

• Support special projects and administrative tasks as requested by the Principal Investigators.
• Depending on the