Subaward Coordinator - SACO

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR) is seeking to fill a Subaward Coordinator position in the Subaward Administration and Compliance Office (SACO).

The SACO has partnered with Penn State's College of Engineering to design a new model of managing Penn State subawards and subcontracts. Penn State currently supports over $170M in subs at any given time. (This excludes subs issued by the Applied Research Lab and the College of Medicine, which are outside the scope of this position).

The goals of the SACO are to support faster set-up of new subawards, a better tool for communicating subrecipient performance with principal investigators, higher quality documentation of subrecipient monitoring activities, more timely payment of invoices, and a more efficient closeout process. If this effort proves successful, other business areas will be given an opportunity to "opt in" to the model.

Responsibilities: The duties of the SACO Coordinator will include but are not limited to the following:

• Work closely with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance to implement best practices across all business areas.
• Support SACO Specialists in managing and monitoring subawards, including invoice processing, initiating new subawards/amendments, SIMS/SIMBA reporting, and timely closeout.
• Support compliance oversight and quality control by conducting routine monitoring and review, generating tracking reports, and escalating discrepancies or potential risks.
• Manage the SACO mailbox and dashboard, log/assign tasks to SACO staff, and draft/distribute correspondence.

The successful candidate should demonstrate an ability to do the following:

• Assist with 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.
• Assist with tasks related to monitoring ongoing risk levels of subrecipients.
• Help coordinate with colleagues on the timely review, approval, and processing of invoices from subrecipients.
• Serve as a liaison between administrative units and sister OSVPR units and provide appropriate guidance to customers and constituents.
• Help prepare special reports and provide information to internal and external customers.

The Coordinator 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 preferred. Attention to detail and an ability to communicate clearly and accurately is essential.

Application: Candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.

Work Arrangement: The position can operate 100% remotely within eligible states in the US, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone. Individuals working fully remotely may be asked to travel to Penn State to participate in certain on campus activities. Such travel costs will be covered by Penn State.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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.

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