Recruitment & Engagement Specialist
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_onBig Bully Turf, 350, Front Street, Banker's Hill, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92101, United States
Established in 1943, the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) supports the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU achieved its strategic plan goal of becoming an R1, premier public research university in early 2025, furthering discoveries that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work.
Our vision is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university's strategic aspirations. Our core values include Service, Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, and Integrity, guiding our commitment to professional competence, stakeholder engagement, and ethical transparency.
The Academy for Professional Excellence, a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work, was established in 1996 with the goal of revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place. Our services integrate culturally responsive and recovery-oriented practices into our daily work to promote healing and healthy relationships. Providing approximately 50,000 learning experiences to health and human service and justice system professionals annually, the Academy provides a variety of workforce development solutions in Southern California and beyond.
With seven programs, three divisions, and over 100 staff, the Academy's mission is to provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities. As a member of the Academy team, you will be engaging in communal development of heart, mind, and practice, fostering culturally responsive practice behaviors to promote well-being and a culture that focuses on healing, healthy relationships, and changed behaviors.
The Recruitment & Engagement Specialist works closely with the Organizational Development Team to implement and facilitate organization development strategic efforts with a focus on recruitment and employee engagement. This role aligns with the Academy's vision, promise, mission, and System of Practice.
You will serve as a primary contact for Hiring Authorities during recruitment processes, managing the full lifecycle from posting positions and scheduling interviews to on-boarding new employees and facilitating exit protocols. Beyond recruitment, you will drive employee engagement by coordinating key staff events, managing the Academy Suggestion Box, and fostering connection among staff to enhance organizational culture. Additionally, you will support organizational development by assisting in the creation of protocols for people leaders, maintaining internal information systems, and tracking compliance requirements.
This is a 40-hour per week, full-time hybrid position with remote flexibility, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is based on contract funding subject to annual renewal. Positions are typically assigned to either the Riverside or San Diego office for any on-site work. Candidates must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from the worksite.
The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant-funded and serves as an auxiliary to the University. The Academy is based near, but not on campus, and does not have direct responsibilities for working with or teaching college students. Please note that some duties may include working with and/or exposure to sensitive or traumatic topics, including issues related to child abuse, abuse against older adults and adults with disabilities, mental health, substance use, or racism.
This position is open until filled, with an initial application review to take place on April 22, 2026. The starting salary range for this position is $5,976.00 - $6,375.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. The job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results, including a criminal record check.
The Academy is currently going through a reclassification process. If this position's classification changes during this process, it would not change the role, responsibilities, or compensation of the position.
San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law. Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Work model: Hybrid
Big Bully Turf, 350, Front Street, Banker's Hill, San Diego, San Diego County, California, 92101, United States
San Diego, California
Experience working in Human Resources, particularly with recruitment and onboarding. Meeting planning and logistics experience.
Skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Linkedin, Social Media, Human Resources, Recruitment.
Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience.
SDSU Research Foundation operates as a non-profit auxiliary organization based in San Diego, California, dedicated to advancing the educational, research, and community service goals of San Diego State University. Serving the broader academic and research community, the foundation manages the full lifecycle of grants and contracts for the institution. This includes essential services such as proposal budgeting, award administration, human resources, payroll, purchasing, and facility management for research projects. The organization ensures strict compliance with federal, state, CSU, and university regulations throughout the process, from initial account setup to final audit, guaranteeing that funds are utilized appropriately to meet sponsor objectives.
As the largest auxiliary organization in California, SDSU Research Foundation administers approximately 1,500 active grants and contracts. The entity reports annual revenues exceeding $200 million and employs a workforce comprising 190 central support staff and over 2,000 project employees. The foundation operates under the governance of a board of directors to maintain high standards of accountability and operational efficiency. Its work supports San Diego State University, which holds the R1 Carnegie Classification designation for Very High Research Spending and Doctoral Production, placing the university within the top 5% of research institutions in the United States.
Browse more roles: All SDSU Research Foundation jobs, hr & recruitment jobs on Recrutus.
Experience
5+ yrs (Mid Level)
Education
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience
Job Type
Full-Time
