Program Specialist I | San Diego, CA

Program Specialist I

Location: San Diego, CA.
Salary: $5,720.00 per month (non‑negotiable).
Category: Research/Project.
Type: Full‑time Contract.

This position is budgeted for $5,720.00 per month and allows the sponsor to hire an evaluation coordinator who will guide assessment and research activities for the Conmigo study. Conmigo is a health and wellbeing intervention for pre‑adolescent Latinx mothers and daughters, delivered in collaboration with local schools and YMCAs. The study enrolls 270 mother‑daughter dyads and collects both qualitative and quantitative data from participants as well as community partners.

The Evaluation Coordinator will lead the measurement team, coordinate community partnerships, oversee all evaluation activities and data, and serve as a member of the study’s leadership team. Under the direct supervision of the Project Managers and general oversight of the Principal Investigator, the coordinator will manage participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, and measurement of over 540 participants across 18 school sites during a five‑year study.

Design, finalize and monitor all evaluation protocols, procedures, and materials. Provide training to the team on recruitment, screening, informed consent, anthropometric measurements, data entry, participant retention, accelerometer use, and qualitative data collection. Ensure all activities follow protocol standards.

Supervise 8–10 undergraduate and graduate student research assistants and interns. Provide daily direction, conduct training, hold weekly meetings, give feedback and monitor protocol adherence. Work with the Project Manager to track progress toward milestones and maintain timelines.

Develop data‑management protocols and oversee participant tracking databases in REDCap Academic Software. Build and maintain surveys and databases with REDCap partners, ensure timely follow‑ups, manage data entry and coding, and produce reports. Ensure confidentiality, IRB compliance and secure storage of participant data.

Coordinate with school personnel and other community partners to schedule measurement events for participants. Attend recruitment and evaluation events—including evenings and weekends—to supervise the team and refine workflows. Maintain positive rapport with partners and staff.

Contribute to scientific advisory board meetings, weekly and monthly team meetings, and Data Safety and Monitoring Board interactions. Prepare and present slides on challenges, successes, and status updates. Incorporate feedback into daily workflow.

Complete required training including SDSU’s Institutional Review Board Human Subjects tutorial. Participate in regular meetings with the Principal Investigator and Project Managers to discuss progress.

• Bilingual Spanish and English (written and spoken) – required.
• Basic management and supervisory skills with strong leadership and effective oversight of individuals and small groups.
• Research methods, coordination and evaluation experience.
• Field data collection, entry and management.
• Computer software:
  Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, End Note, Qualtrics, REDCap.
• Strong organizational, analytical and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise judgment and problem‑solve.
• Ability to establish cooperative working relationships and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and community partners.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training with experience in study analysis or evaluation.
• Two years of progressively responsible technical or administrative assignments.

• Fluent in written and spoken Spanish – required.
• Minimum two years of research experience.
• Master’s degree in Public Health or related field.
• Experience in project management or coordination.
• Experience at an academic research institution.

• Candidate must reside in California and be within commuting distance from SDSU.
• Job offer contingent on satisfactory background check results.
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and comply with all applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.

San Diego State University Research Foundation provides equal opportunity employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin or any other protected status, and is committed to compliance with titles of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Opportunity laws.