Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services to lead sponsored program administration for the College of Health and Human Development. This supervisory role manages the full proposal lifecycle, ensuring compliance and providing expert guidance on federal grant policy.

What You'll Do

Supervise a team of three Pre-Award Coordinators and allocate/balance workloads.
Provide quality review and compliance approval for all proposals and obtain/exercise Authorized Organizational Representative authority to submit proposals.
Demonstrate mastery of proposal submission requirements for federal, Commonwealth, and industry proposals, with depth of experience in key NIH sponsors.
Provide accurate guidance to faculty and staff based on extensive knowledge of federal grant policy, Uniform Guidance, and Penn State research policies.
Respond to faculty/staff questions, resolve issues during proposal development, and interpret solicitation requirements.
Communicate with external sponsor contacts to clarify solicitation requirements and resolve issues.
Develop and implement processes to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant proposal submissions.
Serve as a liaison between HHD faculty/staff and the Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research Protections, and other university administrative units.
Support all aspects of the proposal lifecycle and serve as leadership support/backup for complex pre-award situations.
Lead efforts with complex strategic applications including budgets and determining project expenditure compliance.
Evaluate and recommend website/online content development and assist with website maintenance.
Represent the HHD research office in the University community and take on leadership roles.
Handle special projects as assigned.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's Degree.
8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice to Have

Extensive experience with National Institutes of Health sponsors.

Team & Environment

This role supervises a team of three Pre-Award Coordinators and reports to the Director of Grants and Contracts.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary range: $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Robust retirement plans.
Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.

Work Mode

This is a remote position.

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.