Posted:
1/5/2026, 8:21:28 AM
Location(s):
Pennsylvania, United States ⋅ State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Business & Strategy ⋅ Sales & Account Management
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
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 Proposal and Award Generalist pursues, administers and conducts sponsored programs; identifies funding opportunities; facilitates the proposal preparation process; submits proposals; reviews awards for items specific to the faculty, department, and college/unit; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; ensures compliance with University guidelines; and provides training to personnel on topics that cover the breadth of research administration.
Search for, obtain, and distribute funding opportunities utilizing expertise database; maintain database information
Collaborate with college/unit offices on funding opportunities requiring special handling such as limited submissions, RFA (Request for Application), RFP (Request for Proposal), ITQ (Intent to Qualify) and other solicitations
Liaison with Office of Sponsored Programs, ORP (Office of Research Protection), Office of Technology Management (OTM), Risk Management or other central units as needed to support proposal development
Lead and or participate in meetings with faculty or department heads on funding opportunities, team formation and responses to opportunities; provide recommendations to improve proposal success rate and effectiveness of award management
Prioritize timelines/schedules through interpretation of potential funding opportunities and hold proposal team accountable
Assist faculty or others with proposal preparation through reviewing sponsor and University guidelines and submission requirements
Develop, finalize and/or approve proposal budget and cost share; prepare required forms, representations and certifications, and budget justification; obtain cost share approvals
Prepare requests for advance fund numbers, fund numbers, cost centers, cost sharing cost centers, and other account set up actions
Prepare and submit budget documents for awarded funds, budget adjustments, and account close-out transfers
May be responsible for tasks associated with labor distribution and effort confirmation
Participate in meetings with Office of Sponsored Programs and unit administration concerning Export Control, publication restrictions, and other potential risks; initiate follow up on sign-offs and monitor process
Review expenditures for approval; review and approve personnel appointments on sponsored program funds
Run system-generated financial reports; manage subawards; prepare and submit monthly/quarterly financial reports
Facilitate materials transfer and other agreements; assist Property Inventory with receipt, accountability, and reporting on government owned equipment
Serve as an area expert on special award types including multi-unit, interdisciplinary, significant number of subawards, multi-fellowship awards, substantial industry involvement, significant administrative oversight, significant financial tracking and reporting, and multi-site clinical trials or field activities.
Resolves issues and implements solutions; initiates process improvements to address systemic roadblocks
May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Proposal and Award Generalist - 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 Proposal and Award Generalist - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None
This position will be providing department-level grant and contracting support, primarily focused on post award management to the Biomedical and Chemical Engineering departments. Departmental level support activities include account monitoring for regulatory and financial compliance, allowability of expenses, cost share, and grant end dates. Additional grant-associated duties will be assigned based on the needs of the assigned department.
The successful candidate will provide this support in a high-volume, fast paced and complex environment and will need to be able to solve issues in a timely manner. Experience with university accounting and research administration, as well as financial policies, as well as experience with Penn State systems, such as Strategic Information Management System (SIMS), Penn State's System for Integrated Management, Budget, and Accounting (SIMBA), and Systems, Applications and Products (SAP) is preferred. Graduates of the ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) Program are preferred.
This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
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 $46,400.00 - $74,000.00.
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. 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.
Website: https://www.arl.psu.edu/
Headquarter Location: State College, Pennsylvania, United States
Employee Count: 1001-5000
Year Founded: 1945
IPO Status: Private
Industries: Universities