Compliance Specialist - Office of Technology Transfer

Penn State; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State's Office of Technology Transfer is seeking a Compliance Specialist to manage financial and compliance activities for technology licensing. The role reports to the OTT Associate Director and collaborates with GC, OIM, Accounting, R&SP to ensure regulatory adherence.

This on-site position at University Park requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience; strong Excel/Word/Adobe skills and superb communication are essential to minimize risk and support licensees effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; 1+ year of relevant experience for Intermediate Professional or 3+ years for Advanced Professional.
• US Citizens only to apply; background checks required.
• Strong communication, confidentiality, and meticulous attention to detail are essential.

Responsibilities

• Track and monitor 200+ license agreements and their compliance items.
• Coordinate with Technology Licensing Officers to ensure compliance with payments, reporting, milestones.
• Maintain accuracy of OTT's finance/compliance database (Wellspring-Sophia).
• Read and summarize license/option terms needing monitoring.
• Serve as point of contact for compliance issues with licensees and internal teams.
• Develop detailed finance/compliance reports for the Director.
• Collaborate with accounting to minimize accounts receivable.

Skills

Communication

Confidentiality

Proactive

Independent work

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Wellspring-Sophia

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Adobe

Job description

**POSITION SPECIFICS**The **Office of Technology Transfer (OTT)** is seeking candidates for the role of **Compliance Specialist**. This position supports the mission of the Office of Technology Transfer by being responsible for all financial and other compliance activities related to licensing agreements of Penn State technologies. *Candidates must be US Citizens to apply.* This position will be the filled at the **Compliance Specialist - Intermediate Professional OR Advanced Professional** level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications. The Compliance Specialist reports to the Associate Director of the Office of Technology Management and works closely with the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Investment Management, Accounting Operations, Research Accounting, and Office of Sponsored Programs to coordinate compliance-related activities. **Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following**:* Track and monitor a portfolio of 200+ license agreements and their associated compliance items.* Coordinate with our Technology Licensing Officers (TLOs) to ensure companies are in compliance with agreement terms including: + Payments of royalties due and other financial obligations + Reporting obligations + Milestones and other performance obligations* Ensure that OTT’s database of finance and compliance information is accurate and up-to-date.* Read through license/option agreements to identify and summarize terms that require monitoring for compliance.* Serve as a point person for communicating with TLOs, the director/associate director, and licensees regarding compliance issues, breach of agreement terms, terminating agreements, etc.* Develop proficiency quickly in using our database (Wellspring-Sophia) to track and report on our finance and compliance data.* Develop detailed reports on related finance and compliance activity for the Director.* Work closely with the Associate Director and accounting staff to minimize accounts receivable. **Work Arrangement:** This is a fully on-site position, based at Penn State's University Park campus. **Required Skills and Experience:** * Open communication and confidentiality regarding license/option agreements, financials, and related matters are essential to this role.* Must be proactive, self-motivated, and a critical thinker who can work independently and collaboratively with a strong commitment to teamwork.* Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail and accuracy, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn.* Proficiency in managing email systems, databases, and electronic data tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe), as well as accounting experience. **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**If filled as Compliance Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Compliance Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None### **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.### Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. **SALARY & BENEFITS**The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $94,980.00. 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.