Proposal and Award Generalist

• 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University is looking for a Proposal and Award Generalist, who will provide direct administrative and professional support to the Department for post-award and financial responsibilities.

This position will report to the Administrative Support Manager and will perform most work activities in a systematic, complex, and deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision. The desired candidate will be a conscientious and detail-oriented individual who can multitask and perform work activities in a high-volume, complex, multifaceted environment and be able to think outside the box. Excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills are critical, as is the ability to work independently and in a team environment. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. Experience with university accounting and research administration policies and procedures, as well as knowledge of NIH grant experience.

The candidate will be responsible for post-award and financial activities, including but not limited to the following:

• Monitor budgets, the status of incoming, active, and terminated research accounts, including subcontracts.

• Analyze research reports within the faculty's portfolio to assess their near- mid- and long-term ability to pay research staff, graduate research assistants, wage employees, postdoctoral salaries and other research costs including facility charges, supplies/materials, equipment, and travel, as required to meet research deliverables.

• Determine funds availability and length of contract for the processing of supplemental pay and redistributions for faculty.

• Meet with faculty to convey assessments of their research portfolio and provide financial reports and documentation on the status of their research budgets.

• Ensure travel expenses and purchases of supplies/materials and equipment are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.

• Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) with any changes to awards, such as no-cost extensions, budget revisions, etc.

• Complete required paperwork for closeout of grants.

• Provide backup documentation for sub-award invoices.

• Initiate and process sub award JE's, and other JE's as necessary.

• Initiate and process non-PO invoices.

• Prepare deposits and initiate JE.

• Monitor new faculty start-up funds.

• Manage faculty iLab accounts.

• Process Purchase Order requests and follow-up to ensure products are received and confirmations are completed.

• Assist faculty with posting job ads and processing new hires for wage payroll positions.

• Advise on matters related to financial transactions, procedures, policies, and process improvement and research and resolve problems.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Consult with Administrative Manager to address questions or concerns.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work.Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Benefits for full-time employees at Penn State include (visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information):

• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

• Tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)

• Generous vacation time and sick time

• 14 paid holidays/campus closure days

Education and Qualifications:

This position will be filled at the Intermediate Professional level. The minimum requirement is a Bachelor's + 1 year of experience, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The individual in this role will frequently use the following software, systems, and applications: Microsoft Office 365 apps and SAP Concur, as well as the following which are specific to Penn State: SIMS (Strategic Information Management System) and SIMBA (System for Integrated Management, Budgeting, and Accounting).

Graduation of the Penn State ACOR (Administrative Committee on Research) Certification and Education Series (ACES) or its equivalent is preferred.

Application Instructions: A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: