Contracts Administrator - Office of Sponsored Programs

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​

The Office of Sponsored Programs at Penn State, seeks a detail-oriented candidate for the position of a Contracts Administrator.

Role: The Grants and Contracts Administrator analyzes, negotiates, and administers sponsored programs; reviews and processes agreements; negotiates and drafts contract terms and sub awards; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; resolves award issues; ensures compliance with university guidelines; and provides training to university personnel on grants and contracts administration. 

Responsibilities: Following are the specific responsibilities of this role:

• Analyze, review, evaluate, and negotiate agreements, grants, awards, and contracts with government and industry sponsors.
• Review any terms and conditions associated with proposal solicitations; interpret and negotiate sponsor requirements; identify the University’s exceptions to the sponsor’s terms and conditions.
• Draft and monitor agreements for compliance with contractual requirements, review and process agreement modifications.
• Review budgets and budget justifications; provide input to faculty members and proposal preparation staff on appropriateness of budgeted items.
• Write and negotiate sub-awards; monitor expenditures to ensure compliance; close out awards.
• Collaborate with research teams and investigators to identify appropriate funding strategies; monitor funding trends; provide faculty education programs on all aspects of proposal and grant submission.
• Consult with Research Accounting, Intellectual Property Office, Risk Management, Legal Counsel, and other central administration offices regarding special terms and conditions of sponsored programs.
• Advise faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and University guidelines, resolve issues related to contract compliance; correspond with sponsors and sub-recipients regarding performance problems.
• Develop and deliver training programs on specialized research administration topics for other award staff, research staff and faculty.

Work Arrangement: This position can operate remotely within eligible states in the US. Standard work times are in EST.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree 1+ 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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines