Assistant Director of Education and Outreach - Office of Research Protections

Penn State University • University Park, IL

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Office of Research Protections (ORP) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Education and Outreach (Research Compliance Manager - Manager level), which is a leadership role, reporting to the Executive Director of Ethical Research and Outreach. This position is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive education and outreach program supporting the university’s research enterprise. Serving as a subject matter expert, the Assistant Director translates complex regulatory and ethical requirements into accessible, actionable education for faculty, staff, and students. The role advances research integrity and security by aligning educational initiatives with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and national best practices, while fostering collaboration across institutional units.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• experience in higher education, program management, communications, and regulatory compliance.
• proficiency in Microsoft Office, familiarity with electronic data systems, and the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• demonstrate effective leadership, professionalism, confidentiality, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, and achieving organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Education and Training:
• Curriculum Development: Design and maintain advanced education and training programs addressing research compliance, integrity, and security.
• Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): Oversee RCR training delivery and tracking to ensure institutional and federal compliance.
• Needs Assessment: Identify knowledge gaps within the research community and compliance committees to inform targeted educational interventions.
• Instructional Delivery: Coordinate multiple instructional formats, including in-person workshops, webinars, and web-based modules.
• Program Evaluation: Implement assessment metrics and continuous improvement strategies based on participation data and learner feedback.
• Communications and Outreach:
• ORP Publications: Lead content development and editorial oversight of the ORP newsletter and related communications.
• Institutional Messaging: Manage the preparation and dissemination of official announcements related to policies, regulatory updates, and training opportunities.
• External Engagement: Oversee social media and outreach strategies to promote ORP resources and initiatives.
• Committee Support: Assist with recruiting non-affiliated community members for university compliance committees.
• Professional Representation: Represent the university at national conferences and collaborate with peer institutions to benchmark outreach and education practices.
• Cross-Unit Collaboration and Consulting:
• Institutional Partnerships: Work with colleges, departments, and administrative units to develop education programs addressing identified needs.
• Joint Programming: Support cross-unit workshops and certification initiatives, including ACES and PAG training programs.
• Consultation: Advise graduate programs and academic units on discipline-specific ethics and compliance education.
• Internal Coordination: Serve as a liaison between the Executive Director and Education and Outreach staff to ensure strategic alignment.
• Administration and Team Leadership:
• Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor Education and Outreach staff and front office personnel.
• Resource Management: Oversee budgets and program resources to ensure efficient achievement of educational goals.
• Special Projects: Support high-priority initiatives, including institutional self-studies and accreditation-related activities.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees