Pre-Award Analyst/Specialist
(Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional I)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $5,274 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,274 - $7,684 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.
• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.
• 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

The function of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is to assist faculty and staff in the development and submission of proposals for sponsored research and educational projects. Staff assist faculty with interpreting guidelines and sponsor submission requirements, contacting potential sponsors, preparing budgets, completing application forms, obtaining university approvals, electronic submission of proposals, facilitating compliance items, and assisting with other pre‐award needs. In fiscal year 2024, the office helped faculty submit over 500 proposals to federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation sponsors. Over 350 awards were received, amounting to over $77 million.

Reporting to the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs and general supervision of senior staff, the Pre-Award Analyst/Specialist will join a dynamic team supporting the department’s core activities. This position will communicate and interact with a diverse population of students, faculty, employees, and community constituents. The Pre-Award Analyst/Specialist is responsible for providing a full range of analytical and technical functions assisting senior staff in ORSP with pre-award services, particularly with the development and submission of proposals for research, educational, and other sponsored projects. The incumbent applies professional judgement and established procedures to coordinate proposal preparation activities, interpret guidelines, and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements, assisting in proposal development and delivery, ensuring compliance with grants and contracts terms and conditions and applicable regulations and laws.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge and skill in methods and procedures for research and statistical analysis and the ability to apply them.
  • Knowledge of budget and purchasing practices, policies and procedures.
  • General knowledge of grants and contracts discipline.
  • Thorough mastery of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling with ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing.
  • Computer office systems and ability to use a broad range of technology and software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps).
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Ability to analyze and address problems using reasoning and application of standard practices and procedures.
  • Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to effectively write and/or present information to team members and stakeholders.
  • Skill in following guidelines and providing input and feedback as required and applicable to regulatory compliance.
  • Skill in the research, development and evaluation of policies and programs, including skill in the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of data to develop sound conclusions.
  • Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, validity and adherence to standards.
  • Ability to perform business math, analyze data, and make accurate projections requiring some inference.
  • Interpret and apply policies and procedures independently and use judgment and discretion to act when precedents do not exist.
  • Ability to effectively write and/or present reports, documents and correspondence.
  • Ability to create and maintain program records and provide data for review in developing and implementing strategies to support programmatic goals and enhance processes.
  • Ability to effectively organize and independently handle multiple work unit priorities and projects in a fast- paced team-oriented environment.
  • Create, organize and maintain accurate technical, complex, sensitive and/or confidential records and files.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships and promote a positive, service oriented collegial work environment with a variety of individuals.

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. Relevant education and/or 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.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • Two years of equivalent experience in a Research and Sponsored Programs office.
    • Experience working in a higher education environment.
    • Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Pro.

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 December 8, 2025 will be given full consideration by the 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)