
Contracts and Grants Specialist III
(Administrative Analyst/Specialist - Exempt III)
Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $6,382 - $6,773 per month
Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,382 - $9,297 per month
- This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.
Job Summary
Under the direction of senior leadership, this position serves as a primary pre-award contact for assigned colleges or campus units, supporting the development and submission of grant and contract proposals. The role provides guidance to faculty and staff on proposal preparation, including interpreting sponsor guidelines, developing compliant budgets, and using electronic research administration (ERA) systems. The position conducts thorough reviews of proposals and related documents to ensure compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements and assists with the drafting and analysis of various research agreements. The incumbent also contributes to pre-award process improvements, develops and delivers training resources, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to address complex compliance issues. May provide informal support to junior staff by sharing knowledge and best practices.
Key Qualifications
- Knowledge of:
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of grant proposal administration, budgeting, and post-award practices and administration principles, concepts, processes, and best practices.
- Demonstrated competence in applying advanced judgment to resolve difficult and complex problems and issues.
- Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable regulations, standards and guidelines.
- Skill/Ability to:
- Ability to make recommendations for changes based on interpretations.
- Advanced analytical and organizational skills to prioritize and manage the fulfillment of a portfolio of grants and contracts and to successfully manage projects within time and budget constraints.
- Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to build partnerships and communicate effectively across all employee groups in a diverse environment.
- Ability to effectively present ideas, deliver training and successfully negotiate agreement on grants and contracts requirements.
- Advanced skill in effectively leading, mentoring or overseeing the work of others and training technical, professional staff, and faculty on grants and contracts practices and procedures.
- Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant grant management software.
To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.
Education and Experience
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field.
- Four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Department Summary
Research and Sponsored Programs provides leadership and professional assistance to faculty, students and staff in pursuit of research and contract activities that extend Fresno State's goals and advance its mission.
Deadline & Application Instructions
Applications received by August 24, 2025 will be given full consideration by the search committee.
- Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.
Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.
Fresno State
California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.
Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.
COVID19 Vaccination Policy
Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.
Supplemental Information
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.
The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.
Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.
Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)