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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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Financial Analysis and Compliance Office (FACO) at Penn State is seeking an Associate Director of Research Personnel Compliance to provide operational leadership and oversight of labor-related post-award compliance activities across Penn State's $1.4 billion research enterprise.

This position will be filled at the Research Financial Compliance Manager – Manager level.

Since the role requires access to sensitive data and is subject to U.S. government contracting requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Reporting to the Director of FACO, this position leads the labor compliance function and serves as the senior operational authority for personnel and payroll compliance monitoring within the institutional framework established by FACO leadership.

The Associate Director manages daily labor compliance operations and ensures the accurate, consistent, and compliant administration of personnel and payroll charges on sponsored programs. The role provides subject matter expertise in labor compliance, partners with colleges, research units, and central administrative offices, and escalates institution-wide policy and strategic matters to the Director.

In addition to labor compliance oversight, the Associate Director contributes to broader FACO initiatives and provides analytical support and guidance on non-personnel compliance matters as assigned.

Key Responsibilities:

Labor Compliance Operations

• Supervise labor compliance staff and manage team workflows, priorities, and performance.
• Oversee labor-related post-award compliance activities for sponsored programs.
• Monitor and review labor transactions to ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policy.
• Lead quality assurance activities related to:
  • Labor distributions
  • Effort reporting and certification
  • Salary reallocations
  • Personnel cost transfers
  • Sponsor-imposed salary and payroll limitations
• Provide guidance on complex payroll and effort issues requiring judgment beyond standard transactions.
• Escalate high-risk, policy-driven, or institution-wide issues to the Director with recommended actions.

Functional Leadership and Process Impr