Job Title

Grants and Contracts Officer

Classification

Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional III

AutoReqId

552756

Department

Research and Sponsored Projects

Division

Vice President, Academic Affairs

Salary Range

Classification Range $6,382 - $9,297 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,382 - $7,111 per month)

Appointment Type

Ongoing

Time Base

Full Time

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About CSUF

Standing on 241 acres in the heart of Southern California, Cal State Fullerton was founded in 1957 and has grown to serve more than 43,000 students. As a leading campus of the California State University system, the University serves as both an intellectual and cultural hub for the region and a driving force in workforce and economic development.

We are dedicated to student success through innovative, high-impact educational experiences and robust support programs. Equally, we invest in the growth of our staff, faculty, and administrators through orientations, training opportunities, and ongoing professional development.

As a member of the Titan Community, you’ll have access to a wide range of campus resources and experiences—including the Grand Central Art Center in Santa Ana, the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, cultural performances at the Clayes Performing Arts Center, Titan Athletics events, the Titan Recreation Center, and our Employee Wellness Program.

Job Summary

It is an exciting time to join Cal State Fullerton as we are an in demand comprehensive University that is driven to shape the future of education and foster a vibrant community of diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators who uphold values of inclusive excellence, free speech, and an environment free from discrimination. We are continuously seeking individuals from various career disciplines that share the University’s mission and core values. We warmly welcome you to consider joining the Titan Community where minds expand and opportunities flourish.

About the Position: 

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) works with other units throughout campus to seek external support for faculty research, scholarship, creative activity and institutional projects that support the educational and service mission of the university. ORSP staff assist with proposal development (Office of Research Development), proposal submission, contract negotiation (Office of Grants and Contracts), and post award support (Office of Sponsored Programs), and help to assure that research and sponsored programs are conducted in accordance with the highest ethical and regulatory standards (Office of Research Compliance). We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Grants and Contracts Officer (Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional III). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Grants and Contracts and functioning as part of the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) team under the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Grants and Contracts Officer provides high-quality support and customer service to faculty, staff, and funding agency sponsor representatives. Serves as the primary contact for selected colleges or campus units in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and University policies. Provides advice and assistance to faculty, administrators, and staff with all aspects of proposal preparation, including but not limited to interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines, budget development, and review, completion of required forms, assurances and certifications, collection of necessary or pertinent data, and compilation of and review of proposal components for consistency and compliance with sponsor guidelines. Identifies areas of risk and/or concern prior to proposal submission and ensures timely submission of accurate proposals. Coordinates the campus approval processes for proposals via Cayuse S2S, and other pertinent pre-award documents. Serves as primary administrative contact and liaison between the University and sponsors at the proposal stage. Identify and serve as liaison in matters involving Conflict of Interest, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Biosafety, and Responsible Conduct of Research for assigned departments and units.

Drafts, reviews, analyzes, negotiates, and recommends grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements for acceptance by the CSUF Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) on behalf of the University. Provides training for faculty and staff in all pre-award processes and procedures. Completes registration to appropriate sponsor systems as needed. Issues account for faculty, administrators, and staff to appropriate sponsor systems such as eRA Commons, Research.gov, and other systems as needed. Assists in logistical preparation for various campus-wide events, workshops, and meetings. Serves as the lead in drafting and updating contracts and various other bilateral agreements including, but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Secures concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices as appropriate prior to recommending acceptance of the award to ASC with non-standard terms and conditions. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and 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.

Working independently under general supervision, performs advanced grants and contracts professional work. Independently facilitates and exercises authority over complex grants and contracts. Demonstrates advanced discernment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides regulatory interpretation, technical advice and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. In collaboration with management, assesses, formulates, and evaluates grants and contracts programs, policies, and procedures. Decision-making is based on grants and contracts best practices; substantial grants and contracts experience; advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations; grant and contract guidelines and standard practices; and university policies and protocols. Work is performed with minimal oversight focused on ensuring alignment with overall objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and may provide lead work direction with accountability for results.

Advanced knowledge and understanding of grant proposal administration, budgeting, and post award practices and administration principles, concepts, processes, and best practices. Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional Series – 5 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. 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.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university and three years of work experience in a Sponsored Programs Office in a pre-award or post-award capacity at a university, hospital, or research institute. Extensive experience in reviewing sponsor guidelines/RPF, preparing complex budgets, and compiling and submitting responsive proposals. Experience in preparing complex budgets involving multiple disciplines and completing federal forms (i.e., SF 424 Research and Related (R&R), R&R budget, assurances, and certifications, etc.). Experience submitting proposals in eRA systems such as Grants.gov, ASSIST, Research.gov, JustGrants, NSPIRES, etc. Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG, NIH Grant Policy Statement, and other federal and state regulations. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative and plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations involving numerous and diverse demands. Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with broad administrative impact and implications. Ability to anticipate problems, address them proactively, and develop appropriate recommendations leading to solutions. Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus. Proficiency in Cayuse S2S, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Sign, Adobe Acrobat DC, and Outlook. Ability to communicate clearly and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e., H1-B Visas).

Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees