Assistant Director of Post-Award, Ag Research Administration

Penn State University
University Park, PA, US
Posted May 11, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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* 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.

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  • * 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.

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

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  • 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 .

    POSITION SPECIFICS

    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. As a successful candidate, you will:

  • 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
  • Preferred Qualifications:

  • 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE \& REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree\&\#xa;8\+ years of relevant experience, includes 3\+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted\&\#xa;Required Certifications:\&\#xa;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 $86,300\.00 \- $129,500\.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\.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports 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.

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Job Type

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