APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

We are searching for an experienced Grants and Contracts Administrator to join our Business Services Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.  Reporting to the ARL Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Business Services, you will drive business functions by ensuring compliance with University policies and federal regulations, enhancing business related policies, procedures, processes, and administration, and leading and developing policies and procedures to drive successful contract closeout processes that align with the mission of ARL and the University.

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

Responsibilities include:

Strategy, Planning, and Contractual Management

• Partner with the ARL Business Services Division Heads to deliver business and contractual management solutions in support of the ARL research mission

• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of ARL

• Participate in strategic and operational business planning, researching changing in federal regulations to ensure timely implementation of internal controls for compliance

• Develop strong relationships with government representatives responsible for University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) oversight and internal controls

• Promote strategic relationships with external federal entities

• Develop and manage appropriate business controls and processes that ensure timely, effective, and efficient closeout of contracts

• Stay current on emerging and changing federal regulations affecting ARL contracts, and prepare briefings on federal regulation changes to ARL senior leadership

Operational Management

• Partner with the ARL Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Business Services Division Heads and Managers to ensure quality delivery of contract compliance, services, and performance

• Demonstrate awareness of broad issues and management trends and evaluate the impact of policy and procedure changes, adjusting accordingly

• Ensure quality delivery of business and contractual services through communication with end-users, both internal to Penn State and external federal organizations

• Approve, prioritize, monitor, and control business projects

• Assist the ARL CFO and Business Services Division Heads and Managers to develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive business services initiatives that are compliant with applicable federal and University standards consistent with industry best-practices

• Study current business trends and issues

• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with stakeholders regarding business and systems requirements for new technology implementations

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Previous experience performing contracts management for a large organization preferably within the federal government / Department of Defense (DoD) business environment

• Considerable knowledge of and experience with federal contracts clauses and compliant management

• Detailed knowledge of contract management, federal contract closeout, compliance with federal contracting regulations, and use of information technology business systems

• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to federal contracting administration

• Detailed knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Cost Accounting Principles and 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance cost principles for educational institutions

• Excellent understanding of project management principles

• Strategic planning and execution

• Demonstrated ability leading teams to work through complex business problems and process improvement

• Success in various office environments, where flexible forms of communication, leadership, negotiation, and organizational skills are crucial to be an effective leader

• Previous experience in a Department of Defense (DoD) business environment with extensive familiarity of federal contract management

• Demonstrated ability to work through difficult issues, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution

• 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

Your working location can be fully remote, hybrid on-site/work from home, or fully on-site, located in State College, PA, dependent upon the successful candidate. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Due to the financial or fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will also be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

 

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.  Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

 

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.

 

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