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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Penn State Survey Research Center (SRC) is seeking to hire a Director of Administration - Research Project Manager to serve as part of the Center’s leadership team that provides state-of-the-art and cost-effective data collection services to Penn State researchers. The position co-reports to the SRC Director and the SSRI Research Operations Manager and serves as the budget assistant and planning officer for the SRC. Develops business plans to coincide with cost-effective outcomes of the service charge-out rate center. Provides leadership in the areas of project oversight, operating procedures, finance and budget management, customer service, development and administration of process improvement initiatives and implementation of strategic plans. Oversees human resource processes and facilities for the Center.

Responsibilities include the following:

• Co-manage the day-to-day operational activities of the Center.
• Co-develop business plans and financial goals of the unit.
• Analyze and advise on the feasibility of new programs and implement new business collaborations.
• Evaluate operations and perform analysis to guide management decisions and identify potential cost savings.
• Develop unit protocols and implement plans that support the unit’s strategic goals.
• Manage relations with both internal faculty, research teams, and external stakeholders to prepare academic research service contracts/subawards for PIs at other universities and various agencies to secure SRC projects/funding.
• Manage financial and administrative staff, provide training and mentoring.
• Oversee financial controls and serve as budget assistant for multiple SSRI units. Ensure compliance with university accounting procedures and sponsor requirements/regulations.
• Prepare annual charge-out review request to Corporate Controller’s Office.
• Serve as Facilities and Human Resource lead for the unit.

Education and Experience: This position typically requires a Master’s degree or higher and 4+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 3+ years of supervisory experience.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial and operations management, experience in research administration and budgetary oversight of post award activities. Experience with and understanding of university charge-out rate structure and procedures and experience with SIMS (Strategic Information Management System), SIMS Budgets, SIMBA, SAP Concur, and Offi