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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Office (SIRO) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Pre-Award Manager. SIRO is a specialized research office within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR), providing submission services for both Institutes within OSVPR as well as University-wide for large, complex and strategic proposals. The highly skilled professional will report to and work closely with the Associate Director providing oversight and participation in the SIRO proposal submission services in a dynamic, fast paced, collaborative environment.

This is an exciting and integral new position within SIRO. The selected individual will maintain positive and effective working relationships both internal and external with assigned teams, research administration units, sponsors, faculty and staff.

Responsibilities: The Proposal and Award Manager pursues, administers, and conducts sponsored programs; leads the identification of funding opportunities; oversees the proposal preparation process; leads the submission of proposals; 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. Specific duties include the following:

• Lead, direct, and manage research administration activities in SIRO
• Oversee a research administration team; oversee workflow and assign priorities; establish best practices; ensure quality service is provided to research teams, support staff, and faculty within a research area
• Monitor deadlines, interpret sponsor guidelines, resolve complex pre-award issues, consult faculty on non-routine proposal activities including subawards, multi-disciplinary awards, cost shares, and special requirements; exercise signature authority to approve and submit proposals
• Develop a collaborative partnership with the research unit; engage faculty and managers to provide recommendations to improve proposal success rate and award management effectiveness
• Serve as a liaison between SIRO and University research administration offices including Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research Protection, Office of Technology Management, Risk Management, or other central units
• Ensure compliance with University, government, and sponsor regulations; monitor, interpret, and disseminate policy changes that impact research administration practices
• Advise faculty and staff in all aspects of proposal development and submission requirements; Prepare proposal subsections including budgets and non-technical components as indicated in the solicitation; Prepare and submit proposal applications per sponsor guidelines. Obtain departmental, College and University approvals as required;
• Develop tools, forms, documentation, and operating procedures to ensure service standards are met; resolve issues and implement solutions; initiate process improvements to address systemic roadblocks
• Contribute new research administration models, practices, and ideas to the larger University research community; participate in projects and committees with the aim of promoting the reach and impact of University research activities
• Hire, train, mentor, and train others; provide feedback and development opportunities
• Serve as a subject matter expert in pre-award research administration; provide consultation in guidance within SIRO and across the research administration community in area of expertise

Work Arrangement: This is a remote-eligible position based in the United States. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Application: Please submit both a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher along with 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive Pre-Award research administration experience is required.

Additional Preferred Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Proficiency with various federal electronic proposal submission sites expected. Current AOR (Authorized Organizational Representative) preferred. Experience with Strategic Information Management System (SIMS), SIMS budgets. Graduate of Penn State ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) or desire to obtain certification is encouraged.

Additional Required Competencies:

This position requires flexibility and self-management skills, high attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills including the ability to prioritize a large number of diverse responsibilities in a very fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Excellent communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are required. The successful candidate will be capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all 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.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

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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