SDSU Research Foundation, as a nonprofit corporation, is governed by a board of directors in accordance with its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The principal function of the board is to establish policies and guide the corporation in achieving its mission and objectives. According to the bylaws, the board of directors consists of two groups as follows:
SDSU Research Foundation's executive director reports directly to the board of directors for the management of SDSU Research Foundation, serving as the liaison between the board and a staff that implements all board policies. Total SDSU Research Foundation employees number approximately 2,600 including about 200 central staff members.