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Contracting Officer (Negotiator) - Office of Sponsored Programs

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Sep 09, 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.

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Sponsored Programs at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Contracting Officer. This position will be filled at an Advanced Professional level. The person in this position will interact on a regular basis with faculty, university administrative offices, and external sponsors.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Analyze, review, evaluate, and negotiate agreements such as Grants, Contracts, Non-Disclosure Agreements, and other financial and non-financial agreements from various sponsors including the US Federal Government, the Commonwealth of PA, Foundations, foreign, and industry sponsors
  • Draft agreements and modifications for incoming funding
  • Draft outgoing Subawards and Subcontracts, perform closeout review to ensure Subrecipient complied with all contractual requirements
  • Negotiate appropriate terms and conditions in compliance with University policy and procedures
  • Review terms and conditions associated with proposal solicitations; interpret and negotiate sponsor requirements; and identify the University's exceptions
  • Consult with Research Accounting, Office of Technology Transfer, Risk Management, Office of General Counsel, and other central administration offices regarding special terms and conditions of sponsored awards
  • Advise faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and University guidelines, resolve issues related to contract compliance; correspond with sponsors and sub-recipients regarding performance problems
  • Develop and deliver training programs on specialized research administration topics for other award staff, research staff and faculty

The selected individual must maintain positive and effective working relationships with assigned units and advise faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and University guidelines. This individual may be called upon to mentor and train junior staff, develop faculty education and outreach programs, and draft revisions and updates to University policies and procedures.

Work Arrangement: The location of this position is flexible and can operate fully remote within the United States, fully in-person at our University Park Campus, or in a hybrid-model of both in-person and remote. Standard working hours are in the eastern time zone.

Education, Experience, or Certifications: Familiarity with federal government regulations is required, especially the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Proposal preparation and post award management experience preferred. Familiarity with human subjects data, such as Personally Identifiable Information, Limited Data Sets, and De-Identified Data preferred. Familiarity with Penn State's Strategic Information Management System (SIMS), and completion of the Penn State ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) is preferred but not required.

Required Competencies: The successful candidate must have self-management skills, including the ability to prioritize and maintain a large volume workload in a fast-paced environment, the ability to interpret information, ideas, and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing, the ability to determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to identify and implement solutions, and the ability to maintain effective relationships with peers and others in a diverse environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Application: Candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position, as well as a resume describing their education and work experience.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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 - $89,600.00.

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

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