Assistant Director of Post-Award, Ag Research Administration

Penn State University • University Park, IL

6d

About The Position

The Ag Research Administration unit in the College of Agricultural Sciences is hiring an Assistant Director of Post-Award. The Assistant Director of Post-Award serves a key role on the leadership team in the Ag Research Administration (AgRA) unit and is the leader of the post-award unit within AgRA. In an effort to minimize financial risks to the institution, this position has a responsibility to alert and advise units and leadership on spending issues, sub-recipient monitoring and to regularly communicate and collaborate with the Director of Ag Research Administration and the Finance and Business Office. This position will determine the allowability, allocability and reasonableness of expenses in accordance with grants management best practices, PSU policy and sponsor regulations. The Assistant Director has responsibility for all grants and contacts for the College of Agricultural Sciences and works closely with the University Office of Research Accounting and College of Agricultural Sciences Finance and Business Office on internal and external reporting, audits, billing, and other grant related financial data. They will have oversight of the accurate and timely creation and closeout of grants and assisting academic units in the fiscal management of their grants, including education and training in monitoring budget and expense activity is expected. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Business Offices, Sponsored Programs and other associated academic and administrative offices to implement grant policy and procedures that align with and ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, college and PSU policy. The Assistant Director of Post-Award must have the ability to hire, develop, and mentor the post-award team. They will maintain an effective and highly productive team to deliver expert and optimal customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance, and/or work experience equivalent.
• 8 plus years of business admin./financial experience and a minimum of 5 years in Grant /Post Award related accounting.
• Demonstrated progressive responsibilities, including a minimum of 3 years managing professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the post-award team to ensure quality performance of award maintenance, account creation, budget and expense analysis, accounting system updates, expenditure review and approval as needed, including cost transfers, budget revisions financial reporting, reconciliation analysis, and proper accountability of all funds to funding agencies.
• Assess, develop, implement, and maintain process improvements for internal Sponsored Programs, post-award procedures and reporting, including reports designed to promote operational efficiency and improve services to end users.
• Oversee, review, and interpret grant/contract agreements, sponsor and university policy.
• Provide strong, thoughtful leadership across the team by partnering with the Director and Assistant Director of Pre‑Award to develop strategic plans, foster creative and compliant problem‑solving, and cultivate an environment built for long‑term success, stability, and collaboration.
• Deliver training/workshops with the Director and Assistant Director of Pre-Award to college audiences.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Pre-Award to find efficiencies/best practices to streamline the process from proposal to award, that will ultimately lead to successful award management and efficient closeout.
• Represent the College in the Post-Award Working Group.
• Complete the Penn State ACES Program and obtain PSU Delegated Signature Authority

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager