Compliance and Special Projects Coordinator - Office of Sponsored Programs

• 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Compliance and Special Projects Coordinator supports Contracting Officers and Unit leadership in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) by preparing, routing, and organizing compliance documentation and maintaining compliancerelated SharePoint resources.

The role also conducts special projects involving SIMS data extraction, targeted reporting, and documentation gathering. Additionally, the position provides operational support throughout the proposal and award lifecycle, maintains accurate records, and contributes to process improvement efforts across the unit.

This position will be filled at the Proposal and Award Generalist - Intermediate Professional level.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist Contracting Officers with the creation, review, routing, and storage of internal compliance plans.
• Review and close out expired or expiring compliance plans, ensuring documentation accuracy and communicating with project personnel as required.
• Process master Data Use Agreement (DUA) requests; verify completeness, gather missing information, and track progress through completion.
• Organize and maintain compliance-related SharePoint folders and document libraries, ensuring consistency and accessibility.
• Assist with improving folder structures and archiving practices.
• Assist with development of manuals and training materials.
• Conduct special projects, including extracting data from SIMS, preparing targeted reports, and gathering documentation and summaries based on the needs of Contracting Officers and Unit leadership.
• Provide general administrative and operational support across the proposal and award lifecycle.
• Contribute to unit-wide process improvement and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships.
• Participate in one or more office committees.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Requires strong communication skills, as this position will regularly communicate with faculty, other project personnel, and various ancillary offices.
• Requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must possess the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and document management tools such as SharePoint.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience in research administration, grants management, or compliance-related work.
• Familiarity with sponsored programs systems such as SIMS or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of DUAs, compliance plans and workflows, or contract documentation processes.
• Ability to analyze data, identify issues, and prepare summary reports.
• Completion of Penn State's ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) is desirable.

Work Arrangement: The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within remote-eligible states within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote, at University Park. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

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

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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