Subaward Specialist – Senior Specialist

Penn State College of Education

. Implement best practices across business areas with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeRemote • Pennsylvania • United StatesSenior💰 $59,580 - $94,980 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in subaward management, compliance with federal and university regulations, and effective communication with stakeholders. Proficient in monitoring subrecipient risk levels and coordinating financial operations to ensure timely processing and adherence to policies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Subaward ManagementResearch AdministrationSIMBA or SAP/S4HANA ExperienceRegulatory ComplianceAttention to Detail

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Subaward Set-UpInvoice ReviewContractual ComplianceRisk MonitoringData Analysis

Soft Skills

Clear CommunicationTeam CoordinationCustomer Guidance

Tools & Technologies

SIMBASAPS4HANA

Industry Keywords

Sponsored Project AdministrationFederal RegulationsUniversity PoliciesSingle Audit ReportsInternal Controls

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Implement best practices across business areas with college research administrators, financial officers, and the Office of Budget and Finance
Lead training on new, emerging, and ongoing subaward contractual compliance obligations
Monitor subaward portfolio health indicators, including request and amendment processing times, invoice review and payment, and closeout timelines
Perform subaward set-up tasks and coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs, principal investigators, and college research officers
Monitor ongoing subrecipient risk levels, including reviewing Single Audit reports
Coordinate timely review, approval, and processing of subrecipient invoices
Liaise between administrative units and sister OSVPR units and provide guidance to customers and constituents
Develop and deliver outreach and education on subaward policy interpretation
Recommend and implement procedures for uniform and efficient subaward management, tracking, internal controls, and regulatory and University policy compliance
Prepare special reports and provide information to internal and external customers
Coordinate team workload and support efficient office operations
Keep current on federal and sponsor requirements, University policies, and state and federal regulations regarding sponsored project administration

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional level, or 6+ years for Senior Professional level
Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required certifications: None
Experience and knowledge of SIMBA (Penn State's System for Integrated Management, Budgeting and Accounting) or SAP/S4HANA preferred
Research administration and/or subaward experience strongly preferred
Attention to detail
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately
Must submit a cover letter and resume
Successful completion of background check(s)
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa
Standard working hours in the Eastern Time Zone

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Robust retirement plans
Paid holidays
Vacation time
Sick time
75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children
Remote work options
Hybrid work options
Travel costs covered for required on-campus activities for fully remote employees