Programs Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)

Position Summary

Are you passionate about supporting groundbreaking research and student success? Join San Diego State University’s Division of Research and Innovation as our next Programs Coordinator. In this pivotal administrative role, you will support initiatives that advance faculty and undergraduate research and contribute directly to the university’s growing research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Coordination: Assist with planning, implementing, and maintaining faculty and undergraduate research support programs.
• Administrative Support: Provide high-level, confidential administrative support for the Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Director of Undergraduate Research, and Faculty Fellows.
• Liaison Duties: Serve as a primary point of contact between DRI leadership, faculty, students, senior university officials, and campus partners.
• Program & Project Coordination: Coordinate meetings, timelines, budgets, and activities for research-related initiatives, ensuring smooth execution, accurate financial tracking, and attention to detail and confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Support programs that empower faculty innovation and student discovery, helping shape the future of research at SDSU.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Professional Growth: Gain exposure to high-level campus initiatives and senior leadership, with opportunities for skill development and advancement.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a division that champions creative problem-solving and forward-thinking approaches to research and education.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Division of Research and Innovation is responsible for university advocacy for research and scholarship. The Vice President for Research and Innovation reports to the President, is a member of the President's Cabinet, and provides leadership and coordination of all research activities at San Diego State University. The Vice President for Research and Innovation provides leadership and guidance to sponsored research activities within the San Diego State University Research Foundation, represents the university externally to major funding agencies, and oversees research regulatory committees. The Division of Research and Innovation is responsible for the review and approval of all proposals for external funding of grants and contracts, research assurances, regulatory compliance/integrity, oversight or regulatory and research promotion committees, including direct line reporting by the CEO of the SDSU Research Foundation.

In addition, the Vice President for Research and Innovation will play a lead role in the strategic planning of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, including identification and development of relationships with entities who may be interested in participating in public/private partnerships. The Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships oversees Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, divisional partnerships, and engagement efforts with corporations, foundations, and trade associations, and supports high-level priorities of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

For more information regarding the Division of Research and Innovation, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly lean new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtain