Top Division Research & Development Executive jobs in California

This position can be a REMOTE position within the state of California Only!

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, the Director of the Grants Development Office provides management, leadership, and general oversight of sponsored project proposal submissions for the campus, and serves as the main point of contact for proposal development.  This is a working Director position and includes involvement in the preparation and submission of high-priority proposals, reviewing award documents and contracts particularly those involving higher-than-usual risk, and working closely with division and campus leadership to help resolve challenges related to proposal submission and acceptance of sponsored project awards. The Director serves as an expert in all phases of proposal development, and in that capacity, serves as a resource to Cal Poly faculty, staff, and administrators in the ongoing conduct of pre-award administration. The Director is responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the compliant and efficient submission of proposals and acceptance of awards. The Director promotes and oversees the development of GDO staff, supporting staff stability and professional growth that enhances Cal Poly’s pre-award infrastructure.

Department Summary

The Grants Development Office (GDO) is an integral part of the division of Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education, supporting Cal Poly’s commitment to the Teacher-Scholar model. The overall mission of the Grants Development Office is to provide pre-award leadership and strategic guidance, information, and services to administrators, faculty, and staff engaged in extramurally funded research, instruction, professional development, and community service projects from public funding sources.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in managing compliance with federal, state, and privately funded grants and contracts, and the ability to interpret and apply university and sponsor policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with proposal review, electronic proposal submissions, and electronic research administration systems.
• Ability to represent the campus’ interests in the negotiation of grants and contracts. Expert negotiation skills with the ability to achieve consensus, optimize the University’s and Corporation’s objectives, and ensure that effective and cooperative working relationships are maintained with sponsors.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and management skills to successfully operate in a complex environment and interact with a diverse clientele.
• Ability to assess operational conditions, adjusting as necessary to optimize effectiveness and improve operations. Adaptability in meeting short and long-term strategic goals of the University.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience, demonstrating knowledge and practice in current grant/contract administration or other relevant experience.  Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $110,000 - $125,000 per year.  Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Known for its Learn by Doing pedagogy, Cal Poly is the flagship of the world-renowned California State University system. Annually recognized as one of the top public universities in the nation, Cal Poly continues to offer an academic curriculum based on learned experience gained through real-world practice. Located in San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly is nestled comfortably among the coastal foothills, minutes from the Pacific Ocean and equidistant to the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. Cal Poly is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. 

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 Cal Poly. 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 Cal Poly has designated 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 "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H1-B visas).