Grants and Contracts Administrator

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 75,408 - 113,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employee and/

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Grants and Contracts Administrator to join the ARL Subcontracts Office. The role supports contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities for ARL programs in a DoD SkillBridge environment.

The position offers potential for remote work within Central Pennsylvania. Key responsibilities include administering subcontracts, preparing RFPs, reviewing proposals, negotiating terms, and monitoring deliverables and invoices, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Required certifications: None.

Responsibilities

• Administer subcontracts from initiation to closeout
• Prepare Requests for Proposals
• Review subcontract proposals and prepare complete Cost/Price Analysis packages
• Negotiate subcontract terms and conditions and prepare final agreement; coordinate complex terms
• Monitor agreements and track deliverables and invoices
• Correspond with subcontractors regarding performance problems including terminations and stop work orders
• Prepare and process subcontract modifications and distribute awards
• Work with subcontractor to complete closeout packages

Skills

Negotiation

Contract administration

FAR knowledge

Proposal management

Contract negotiations

MS Office

Team collaboration

Clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Specifics

We are searching for a Grants and Contracts Administrator to join our Subcontracts Office within the Business Services Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL Business Services enables and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL by providing efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities to all ARL programs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Administer subcontracts from initiation to closeout
• Prepare Requests for Proposals
• Review subcontract proposals and prepare complete Cost/Price Analysis packages
• Work with subcontractor to negotiate subcontract terms and conditions and prepare final agreement. Coordinate and negotiate complex and non-standard terms
• Monitor agreements and track deliverables and invoices
• Correspond with subcontractors regarding performance problems to include terminations and stop work orders
• Prepare and process subcontract modifications and distribution of awards
• Work with subcontractor and complete closeout packages

Your working location can be fully remote, dependent on skillset and location, within Central Pennsylvania.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Negotiation and administration of various government-sponsored research agreements
• Oversight of the proposal preparation process
• Review and processing of agreements (both financial and non‑financial)
• Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation
• Contract term negotiation processes
• Microsoft Office skills
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi‑disciplinary, team‑oriented culture
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Eight or more years of related experience in government contracting or sponsored research, preferably in an academic setting
• DoD research and development contracting on a Cost Plus Fixed Fee basis
• DoD or Intel Community contracting experience

Minimum education, work experience & required certifications

Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required certifications: None.

Background checks / clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,408.00 - $113,100.00.

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 including holidays, vacation, and sick time. A generous 75% tuition discount is available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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.