Subaward Specialist / Senior Specialist - SACO

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) is seeking to fill a Subaward Specialist/Senior Specialist position in the newly created Subaward Administration and Compliance Office (SACO).

This position will be filled as a Proposal and Award Generalist - Advanced Professional OR Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.

SACO has partnered with Penn State’s College of Engineering to design a new model of managing Penn State subawards and subcontracts ("subs"). Penn State currently supports over $170M in subs at any given time (this excludes subs issued by the Applied Research Lab and the College of Medicine, which are outside the scope of this position).

The goals of the SACO are to support faster set-up of new subawards, a better tool for communicating subrecipient performance with principal investigators, higher quality documentation of subrecipient monitoring activities, more timely payment of invoices, and a more efficient closeout process. If this effort proves successful, other business areas will be given an opportunity to “opt in” to the model.

This position will be responsible for the following:

• Working closely with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance to implement best practices across all business areas.
• Spearheading training efforts to ensure research administrators are aware of new, emerging, and ongoing subaward contractual compliance obligations.
• Monitoring key indicators of the subaward health of the sponsored portfolio, including subaward request processing times, subaward amendment processing times, review and payment of subrecipients’ invoices, and timelines for subaward closeout.

More specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform tasks related to subaward set-up and partner with the Office of Sponsored Programs, principal investigators, and college research officers to ensure a timely set-up.
• Perform tasks related to monitoring ongoing risk levels of subrecipients, which may include reviewing Single Audit reports.
• Coordinate with colleagues on the timely review, approval, and processing of invoices from subrecipients.
• Serve as a liaison between administrative units and sister OSVPR units and provide appropriate guidance to customers and constituents.
• Develop and provide outreach and education about policy interpretation for policies related to subawards.
• Recommend and implement procedures to ensure uniform and efficient management, tracking, internal controls, and compliance with regulations and University policy related to subawards.
• Prepare special reports and provide information to internal and external customers.
• Coordinate team workload and perform other tasks needed to ensure smooth and efficient office operations.

The Subaward Specialist or Senior Subaward Specialist (Proposal and Award Generalist) will be expected to keep current on new and emerging federal and other sponsor requirements, university policies, and state and federal regulations regarding sponsored project administration.

Qualifications:

• Experience and knowledge of SIMBA (Penn State's System for Integrated Management, Budgeting and Accounting) or SAP/S4HANA is preferred.
• Research administration and/or subaward experience is strongly preferred.
• Attention to detail and an ability to communicate clearly and accurately is essential.

Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.

Work Arrangement: The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Individuals working fully remotely may be asked to travel to Penn State to participate in certain on-campus activities. Such travel costs will be covered by Penn State.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Proposal and Award Generalist - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Proposal and Award Generalist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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