Associate Director - Subaward Compliance Office (SACO)

About this role

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 .

​     POSITION SPECIFICS ​ Penn State’s Office of the Senior Vice President for Research seeks qualified candidates for the position of Associate Director in their Subaward Administration and Compliance Office (SACO) .

The position reports to the SACO Director and will support the continuous improvement of subaward administration by driving efficiency, enhancing workflows, and strengthening subrecipient monitoring practices.

The Associate Director will contribute to strategic planning, systems coordination, performance measurement, audit response implementation, and the development of tools and processes that promote operational excellence.  The role also supports broad training and capacity building while advancing organizational goals through data-informed decision-making and collaborative service delivery.

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following: • Take lead on systems coordination (SIMS/SIMBA) by serving as a research administration subject matter expert; provide related guidance within the SACO and across the research administration community 

• Promote increased efficiency and improved workflow

• Assist with development of new and/or improved subrecipient monitoring tools

• Demonstrate quality of service by measuring and publishing performance against KPIs

• Assist with implementation of recommendations from audits and other reviews

• Support training and development of the Penn State research administration community, including outreach and education about policy interpretation for policies related to subawards

• Help establish strategic priorities and operational goals

• Hire, train, and mentor team members; provide feedback and development opportunities

The successful candidate should also demonstrate the ability to do the following: • Serve as approver of subrecipient invoices in workflow and PSSUB requests

• Supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

• Perform tasks related to subaward set-up and partner with the Office of Sponsored Programs, PIs, and college research officers to ensure a timely set-up

• Perform tasks related to monitoring ongoing risk levels of subrecipients

• Coordinate the timely review, approval, and processing of subrecipient invoices, while resolving escalated issues involving subrecipients, PIs, and administrative units

• Serve as a liaison between administrative units and sister OSVPR units and provide appropriate guidance to customers and constituents

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, tools, forms, documentation, and operating practices to enhance efficiency, consistency, compliance, and service standards

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators related to subaward administration, including processing timelines, invoice management, and portfolio health, and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders

• Contribute to the advancement of subaward administration by recommending innovative practices, participating in committees and special projects, and implementing process improvements to address systemic challenges

The Associate Director 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. Experience and knowledge of SIMBA (SAP/S4HANA) and SIMS is preferred. Research administration and/or subaward experience is strongly preferred. Attention to detail and an ability to communicate clearly and accurately is essential.

Work Arrangement: This position may work remotely within eligible states within the US. Standard work times will be in EST.   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 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 $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.   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 c

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