Pre-Award Senior Research Administrator

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences seeks to hire an energetic and experienced Pre-Award Senior Research Administrator in the Office for Research and Graduate Education.

The Pre-Award Senior Research Administrator pursues, administers and conducts sponsored programs; identifies funding opportunities; facilitates the proposal preparation process; submits proposals; reviews awards for items specific to the faculty, department, and college/unit; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; ensures compliance with University guidelines; and provides training to personnel on topics that cover the breadth of research administration. 

• Collaborate with college/unit offices on funding opportunities requiring special handling such as limited submissions, RFA (Request for Application), RFP (Request for Proposal), ITQ (Intent to Qualify) and other solicitations

• Liaison with Office of Sponsored Programs, ORP (Office of Research Protection), Office of Technology Management (OTM), Risk Management or other central units as needed to support proposal development

• Lead and or participate in meetings with faculty or department heads on funding opportunities, team formation and responses to opportunities; provide recommendations to improve proposal success rate and effectiveness of award management

• Prioritize timelines/schedules through interpretation of potential funding opportunities and hold proposal team accountable

• Assist faculty or others with proposal preparation through reviewing sponsor and University guidelines and submission requirements

• Develop, finalize and/or approve proposal budget and cost share; prepare required forms, representations and certifications, and budget justification; obtain cost share approvals

• Participate in meetings with Office of Sponsored Programs and unit administration concerning Export Control, publication restrictions, and other potential risks; initiate follow up on signoffs and monitor process

• Resolves issues and implements solutions; initiates process improvements to address systemic roadblocks

• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

• Familiarity with U.S. Department of Agriculture funding is preferred.

This position will work fully remote.

Education and Experience:

Minimum requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree or higher, plus six or more years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. It is essential to possess knowledge of government regulations and University policies applicable to sponsored research. Additionally, being approved as an Authorized Organizational Representative with full signature authority would be highly advantageous. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Word and Excel functions is a must, as is familiarity with grant reporting and budget functions within institutional programs like the Strategic Information Management System (SIMS) or similar tools. Experience in award management using the System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting (SIMBA) is also highly preferred.

As this role requires handling diverse responsibilities, flexibility and strong self-management skills are crucial. You must be adept at prioritizing tasks and functioning both independently and collaboratively within a team. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for effectively interacting with stakeholders. Your interpersonal skills will enable you to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and poise. Thriving in a deadline-driven environment, you must be able to multitask efficiently. We believe this opportunity offers an exciting prospect for professional growth and contribution to an innovative research administration unit. If you are driven, adaptable, and committed to excellence, we encourage you to apply for this position.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.  

in the Office for Research and Graduate Education.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

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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.

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

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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