Project Manager - Sponsored Research

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
May 20, 2025
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. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS The SIRO Project Management Office at Penn State is seeking a Project Manager to support a variety of federal and nonfederal, interdisciplinary, multi-million dollar grants. SIRO is a central research administration unit that is part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR). The mission of the OSVPR is to support a rigorous program of faculty and student research and creative accomplishment by enhancing the environment for scholarly and artistic endeavors, encouraging the highest standards of quality, and fostering ethical conduct in research. SIRO's mission is to provide direct support for university-wide, strategic multi-college and multi-institutional research efforts. This position will report to the SIRO Associate Director of Project Management while working cross functionally with leadership and staff from PSU colleges, Institutes, and central offices. Responsibilities: Responsibilities are specific to lifecycle project management of research administration (pre-award/strategic coordination and post-award management) while leading project team management across multiple PSU Colleges/Departments, Central Offices, Sponsor, external collaborators, and subrecipients. The position requires flexibility and agility to pivot between projects. Key duties for this position include the following: Monitor lifecycle project management of the research administration process (upstream proposal development, proposal building process, account set-up, award management, reporting, close-out) Direct assignments of administrative team members and monitor status of assigned tasks during pre and post award stages Liaise with cross-functional teams and conduct regular communications with Principal Investigators, Subrecipients, Sponsor, Internal PSU and departmental/college staff on a variety of administrative functions Coordinate and manage multi-disciplinary working groups and committees Attend and lead administrative and technical meetings Plan and forecast sponsored budgets in-line with strategic plan Monitor and forecast project financial health to ensure on track with appropriate spend rate Monitor multiple subrecipient budgets, expenditures, amendments Monitor milestones, timelines, end dates, budget realignments and extensions, prior approvalrequirements for changing aspects of a fund Review sponsor and University guidelines, ensure team understanding and compliance Assess unique project requirements and work with various units to support Coordinate preparation and submission of complex reporting Participate and assist with internal and external audits Manage/coordinate the process of accessing sponsored funds and budget realignments Oversee closeout procedures for timely financial and technical close-out Utilize project management tools to track, monitor, and convey data Recommend and provide process improvement strategies and relative guidelines and/or standard operating procedures to support Work Arrangement: This position is eligible to work remotely within the US. Standard work times will be in EST. Proficiency in MS Office suite and Advanced Excel is required, and experience working with collaborative tools such as Slack, GitHub, Teams and Google Drive would be a big plus. Project management of research administration experience is strongly preferred. Experience working on DoD and Foundations related grants is highly desirable. The Project Manager is expected to possess the ability to work in a team environment as well as independently, have strong time management, organizational, data analytics and communication skills, and contribute to innovative ideas in improving and streamlining processes while providing tools to best manage the project. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Project Manager - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Project Manager - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 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. 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 $61,800.00 - $115,100.00. 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. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines