Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services

Assistant Director Of Pre-Award Services

The College of Health and Human Development (HHD), Office of Research and Graduate Education seeks a dynamic, hardworking, highly skilled professional to serve as Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services. This position will report to the Director of Grants and Contracts and will perform most work activities in a large volume, fast paced, complex, detailed, and multifaceted environment. The selected individual's job responsibilities relate to the full lifecycle of sponsored program administration and will include, but are not limited to :

• Supervises a team of three Pre-Award Coordinators allocates and balances workloads.
• Provides quality review and compliance approval for all proposals. Obtains and exercises Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University.
• Demonstrates mastery of proposal submission requirements for standard federal, Commonwealth and industry proposals and a depth of experience with key NIH sponsors (i.e., NSF, NIH, SAMHSA, Foundations).
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of federal grant policy, the Uniform Guidance, and Penn State research policies, processes, and practices and provides accurate guidance to faculty and staff based on that knowledge.
• Responds to faculty and staff questions and resolve issues that arise during proposal development. Interprets solicitation requirements and offers context and insight, citing policy and procedures based on experience.
• Communicates with external sponsor contacts to clarify solicitation requirements and resolve issues.
• Develops and implements processes that ensure timely, accurate, and compliant proposal submissions. Expands knowledge of best practices, incorporates it into work assignments, and prioritizes customer service and collaboration across HHD departments and institutes.
• Serves as a liaison between HHD faculty and administrative staff and the Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research Protections, and other administrative units across the University supporting HHD research.
• Support all aspects of the proposal lifecycle and serve as leadership support and back up for Pre-Award issues / complex situations, and provide guidance to team on conflict resolution strategies.
• Lead efforts with complex strategic applications including budgets and determining project expenditure compliance with guidelines.
• Evaluate and recommend website / on-line content development, and assistant with maintenance of website.
• Represent HHD research office in the University community and take on leadership roles that help the college as well as university-wide research administration.
• Special projects as assigned.

The Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services will have a special focus on supporting all operations of the office and handling many of its complex situations and new initiatives. This person will work closely with central administration, departments, faculty, staff, the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Office of Research Protections (for IRB / IACUC compliance), and external sponsors. With 450 proposals submitted and over $76 million dollars in sponsored awards the last fiscal year, a high proportion of research awards in HHD are through state, foundation, and federal sources, with a majority of federal funds from the National Institutes of Health (NIH); extensive experience with this sponsor is highly preferred. Excellent communications skills and customer service are critical and necessary.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience Required Certifications : None

Application Instructions - Candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.

Flexible Work Arrangement - This position has the potential to be performed fully remote. Specific details about the flexible work schedule can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

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 $86,300.00 - $129,500.00. 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.

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.