Contracts Administrator - Office of Sponsored Programs

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Remote; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State is seeking a detail-oriented Contracts Administrator to analyze, negotiate, and administer sponsored programs. The role includes reviewing and drafting terms, negotiating sub-awards, and ensuring compliance with university guidelines.

The position supports faculty and staff through training and guidance on grants and contracts administration. The role may operate remotely within eligible US states with standard EST work hours.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 1+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating government/industry grants and contracts.
• Ability to interpret sponsor requirements and ensure compliance with university guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, review, evaluate, and negotiate agreements, grants, awards, and contracts with government and industry sponsors.
• Review terms and conditions, interpret sponsor requirements, and identify University exceptions.
• Draft and monitor agreements for compliance and process modifications as needed.
• Review budgets and budget justifications; advise faculty and proposal staff on budgeted items.
• Write and negotiate sub-awards; monitor expenditures for compliance; close out awards.
• Collaborate with research teams to identify funding strategies and educate on proposal submission.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Grant administration

Budget analysis

Regulatory compliance

Training others

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Sponsored Programs at Penn State, seeks a detail-oriented candidate for the position of a Contracts Administrator.

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.

Role:

The Grants and Contracts Administrator analyzes, negotiates, and administers sponsored programs; reviews and processes agreements; negotiates and drafts contract terms and sub awards; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; resolves award issues; ensures compliance with university guidelines; and provides training to university personnel on grants and contracts administration.

Responsibilities:

Following are the specific responsibilities of this role:

• Analyze, review, evaluate, and negotiate agreements, grants, awards, and contracts with government and industry sponsors.
• Review any terms and conditions associated with proposal solicitations; interpret and negotiate sponsor requirements; identify the University's exceptions to the sponsor's terms and conditions.
• Draft and monitor agreements for compliance with contractual requirements, review and process agreement modifications.
• Review budgets and budget justifications; provide input to faculty members and proposal preparation staff on appropriateness of budgeted items.
• Write and negotiate sub-awards; monitor expenditures to ensure compliance; close out awards.
• Collaborate with research teams and investigators to identify appropriate funding strategies; monitor funding trends; provide faculty education programs on all aspects of proposal and grant submission.
• Consult with Research Accounting, Intellectual Property Office, Risk Management, Legal Counsel, and other central administration offices regarding special terms and conditions of sponsored programs.
• Advise faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and University guidelines, resolve issues related to contract compliance; correspond with sponsors and sub-recipients regarding performance problems.
• Develop and deliver training programs on specialized research administration topics for other award staff, research staff and faculty.

Work Arrangement:

This position can operate remotely within eligible states in the US. Standard work times are in EST.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

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.

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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.

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