"Philanthropic Grants Research and Development Professional (Resrch Spons Progs Admin III), University Advancement - Philanthropic Giving"

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Senior Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Philanthropic Grants Research and Development Specialist independently performs advanced-level pre- and post-award grants and contracts administration to support corporate and foundation fundraising initiatives. This position applies advanced knowledge of grant administration, university policy, and external funding regulations to facilitate the submission, negotiation, and management of philanthropic proposals, gifts, contracts, and agreements.

As a key member of University Advancement, this position collaborates with faculty, staff, and external partners to identify and pursue funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, ensure compliance with donor and institutional requirements, and steward awarded funds through close-out. The incumbent provides strategic and technical expertise in all phases of philanthropic grant development and management to advance institutional priorities.

Responsibilities

Pre-Award

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned Principal Investigators (PIs), Project Directors (PDs), and department leads in the development and submission of corporate and foundation grant proposals.
• Research, interpret, and analyze funding opportunities to evaluate institutional fit and eligibility.
• Coordinate proposal planning activities, review guidelines, and assist PIs/PDs with developing application narratives, letters of intent, and supporting materials.
• Prepare and review project budgets, applying current institutional rates (salaries, benefits, indirect costs, etc.) and ensuring compliance with sponsor and university policies.
• Independently manage submission processes through proposal portals as the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).
• Draft, edit, and proofread proposal materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional standards.
• Develop and maintain relationships with corporate and foundation funders, and collaborate with faculty and Advancement colleagues to align proposals with donor priorities.
• Maintain comprehensive files and records for proposals, including boilerplate text, statistical data, and frequently used departmental materials.
• Develop and deliver training workshops and resources for faculty and staff on philanthropic grant identification, proposal development, and compliance best practices.

Post-Award

• Serve as the primary contact for all post-award issues, ensuring compliance with donor and institutional requirements.
• Track and reconcile financial activity for assigned grants and contracts, reviewing expenditures, encumbrances, and financial reports to ensure accuracy.
• Coordinate with Accounting, Procurement, and Research Compliance to process budget modifications, cost transfers, and financial adjustments as needed.
• Prepare and submit progress reports, no-cost extensions, and other post-award requests to funders.
• Conduct financial and performance reviews to identify and resolve discrepancies, deficits, or compliance issues.
• Facilitate project close-out in accordance with institutional and donor expectations.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to highlight awarded grants and ensure proper recognition of donors.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in university and Advancement meetings, events, and trainings related to corporate and foundation fundraising.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and assessment tools for Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR).
• Conduct presentations and workshops to promote awareness of philanthropic grant opportunities and compliance.
• Perform other classification-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Required Education and Experience

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.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of grant proposal administration, budgeting, and postaward 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. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with grant management and CRM systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Instrumentl, Ellucian Advance) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience developing and managing corporate and foundation proposals within a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating award and contract terms
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft Common Finance System, Instrumentl, and Ellucian Advance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and reconcile budgets and prepare financial reports.
• Experience training faculty and staff in grant writing, compliance, or research administration best practices.

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: Step 1 - 7 ($6,382 - $7,187)

Classification Salary Range: minimum Step 1 ($6,382) - maximum Step 20 ($9,297)

The salary offered will take into account internal equity and experience among other factors.

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.

Position Information

Work status: Full-time/Exempt/Probationary

Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 am - 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.