Nonprofit OPT Jobs in California

Overview:

The salary range for this position is $5,858.67-$6,589.95 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position works a hybrid, in-office/remote schedule and the incumbent must live within a commutable distance from SDSU.

The recruitment will remain open until filled with first review of candidates on September 25, 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 act 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 Development Department is the center of collaboration and support, focused on fostering the progress of impactful research and valuable projects. Our dedicated team of professionals works alongside faculty and staff, providing Pre-Award services and guidance of proposal development and submission. The SRD department plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of research.

The Sponsored Research Development (SRD) unit plays a crucial role in helping faculty and staff develop and submit proposals for sponsored research and educational projects. As the "Pre-Award" unit of the research foundation, the SRD is the go-to office for faculty once a sponsor has been identified and a proposal is being developed. The staff in SRD provide assistance with interpreting guidelines, understanding sponsor submission requirements, contacting potential sponsors, preparing budgets, completing application forms, obtaining university approvals, electronically submitting proposals, facilitating compliance items, duplicating and mailing proposals, and offering support with follow-up and other Pre-Award needs. In fiscal year 2025, SRD contributed to the submission of 1,316 proposals, which led to nearly 808 awards totaling over $200 million. The SRD team is composed of 15 dedicated employees, including one technician, one analyst, nine development specialists, two managers, an associate director, and the director.

Responsibilities:

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

The Development Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening the effectiveness and success of Sponsored Research Development, the Research Foundation, and San Diego State University. By providing invaluable support to faculty, increasing the quality and quantity of grant proposals, ensuring compliance, and sharing knowledge collaboratively, the Development Specialist helps secure essential funding for research and educational projects, directly impacting the university's reputation as a research powerhouse. This hard work pays off by attracting top talent and elevating SDSU as a leading research institution.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

The Development Specialist will play a key role in realizing the strategic goals of the Research Foundation and the Sponsored Research Development department by driving efforts to secure funding for research, education, and other sponsored projects. Aligned with the Research Foundation’s mission to support and advance the university's research, the Development Specialist’s work will focus on enhancing proposal development, fostering collaboration, and ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and university policies. By navigating complex funding opportunities, providing vital support to faculty, and staying up to date on best practices, the Development Specialist will contribute to the growth and success of SDSU Research Foundation and San Diego State University. Key tasks supporting these larger goals include creating and revising proposal budgets, advising faculty on submission procedures, facilitating communications with funding agencies, and managing the electronic submission of proposals, among other essential responsibilities.

Qualifications

The Skills We Need

• Deep understanding of faculty projects with the ability to research solutions and resolve complex issues.
• Proficiency in current systems, software, and Excel, coupled with strong budget development skills for various funding sources.
• Familiarity with SDSU and Research Foundation culture, regulations, and both pre- and post-award processes.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze, evaluate, and devise creative solutions.
• A team player with strong interpersonal skills, fostering effective collaboration and positive relationships.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities, crucial for managing complex tasks and workflows.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Accounting or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

One year of related and progressively responsible or expansive work experience in research administration including the area of pre- or post-award processes, or related field such as regulatory administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using electronic research administration and submission systems.
• Experience in research administration in a pre or post-award capacity.
• Experience working with SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU policies and procedures.
• Experience with Pre-Award processes.
• Experience with InfoEd, Banner, Etrieve, or other related electronic systems.

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, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

The salary range for this position is $5,858.67-$6,589.95 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

Hybrid Work Philosophy: We believe that a balanced approach to work—combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains strong, inclusive, and adaptable.

Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.

Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).

San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.

Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.

SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.