Assistant/Associate Research Professor

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Director for the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. This role involves directing statewide rural health initiatives, securing funding, and supervising staff. A Master’s or doctoral degree in a related field and at least five years of management experience are required. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage and a tuition discount. Applications are reviewed starting May 1, 2026. For inquiries, contact Ronald McConnell at [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Master’s or doctoral degree in a health or business-related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressive management experience.
• Familiarity with legislative processes and reimbursement structures.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate statewide rural health initiatives.
• Serve as Principal Investigator/Director for grants and contracts.
• Manage the PORH budget and ensure program viability.

Skills

Management experience

Health policy knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational abilities

Grant application experience

Education

Master’s or doctoral degree in a health or business-related field

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Health Policy and Administration (HPA) in the College of Health and Human Development, at the Pennsylvania State University, is hiring for the Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health (PORH). This position carries a faculty appointment as Assistant or Associate Research Professor.

About the College

The College offers eight interdisciplinary programs designed to enrich lives and address contemporary issues through innovative solutions.

About the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health

The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health is a leading state office of rural health, recognized for leadership and innovation. It was established in 1991 as a partnership among the federal government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Penn State. PORH is one of 50 state offices of rural health and one of 10 university‑based SORHs, funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Mission: Enhance the health status of rural Pennsylvanians and ensure access to high‑quality, affordable care. Vision: Be a premier rural leadership and information organization in the Commonwealth and an effective national state office of rural health.

Services: Rural health expertise, health policy, agricultural health and safety, oral health, community and economic development. The office is administratively located in HPA.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate statewide rural health initiatives, including technical assistance, community needs assessments, information dissemination, and applied research.
• Serve as Principal Investigator/Director of national, state, local, and other grants and contracts.
• Identify and pursue external funding opportunities; prepare grant proposals to support program operations and special initiatives.
• Provide supervision and leadership for PORH staff, including project management oversight and staff development.
• Manage the PORH budget, including contract negotiation, project approval, expenditure oversight, and long‑term financial planning to ensure program viability.
• Represent PORH on university, state, and federal committees, boards, task forces, commissions, and work groups related to rural health.
• Collaborate with university departments, other institutions, state and federal agencies, and state and national partners to support rural health priorities.
• Mentor students and interns interested in public health and health care administration; serve as a guest lecturer on rural health topics.
• Lead designated projects and ensure compliance with program objectives and reporting requirements.
• Support statewide efforts related to primary care practitioner recruitment and retention, rural health partnerships, and information clearinghouse functions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or doctoral degree in a health or business‑related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressive management experience.
• Knowledge of health policy issues, legislative and congressional processes, rural health systems, health care delivery, and reimbursement structures.
• Experience with national, state, and other grant applications and fulfilling grant requirements.
• Experience in budget development and management.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Proven organizational, leadership, and consensus‑building abilities.
• Ability to facilitate group processes and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Pennsylvania and nationally.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director supervises all full‑time and part‑time PORH staff, including select undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Instructions

Submit a resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter describing interest in the position, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Contact Ronald McConnell ([e-mail]) with questions.

Benefits

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and a 75% tuition discount available to employees and eligible spouses and children.

EEO Statement

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 cannot use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, contact 814‑865‑1473.