Proposal and Award Team Lead, Penn State Outreach

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 07, 2026
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 Penn State Outreach is seeking a Proposal and Award Team Lead to provide leadership and operational oversight for Penn State Outreach's Grants Team, including proposal development, pre-award administration, and post-award management. This position serves as both the supervisor of the Grants Team and an individual contributor, ensuring the successful management of grants from proposal conception through project closeout. The Team Lead is responsible for developing and implementing effective grants management processes, maintaining compliance with sponsor and University requirements, supporting Principal Investigators (PIs) throughout the grant lifecycle, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented team culture. The position serves as Outreach's senior resource for grants administration and provides guidance to staff and external partners. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Provide oversight of the full grant lifecycle, ensuring seamless coordination between proposal development, pre-award, and post-award functions. Develop and monitor grants management processes, workflows, and service delivery models. Establish and implement performance metrics for the Grants Team. Serve as an individual contributor in pre-award and/or post-award management of Outreach's sponsored projects portfolio. Oversee financial administration and compliance for sponsored awards, including federal state, corporate, and foundation-funded projects. Coordinate tasks involved in preparing grant submission packages. Collaborate with Principal Investigators & Proposal Developers to interpret sponsors' solicitations/RFPs and ensure compliance with sponsor and University policies. Prepare initial and revised budgets and supporting documentation for proposal submission. Serve as an escalation point for complex compliance, financial, and administrative issues. Prepare and present reports, metrics, and analyses related to grant activity, proposal pipelines, award performance, and operational effectiveness. Lead process improvement efforts across proposal development, pre-award, and post-award functions. Supervise staff responsible for proposal development, pre-award administration, and post-award management. Manage recruitment, onboarding, training, workload balancing, and succession planning activities. Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, accountability, and customer service. Evaluate team performance and implement strategies to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and service quality. Promote inclusive practices that support diversity, belonging, and employee engagement. Serve as the primary grants administration representative for Penn State Outreach. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Principal Investigators, Outreach leadership, University partners, sponsors, and external organizations. Represent Outreach on University committees, working groups, and initiatives related to research administration and sponsored programs. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience in grants administration, sponsored project management, research administration, or related fields. Experience managing complex budgets, financial reporting, and compliance requirements. Supervisory or team leadership experience. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and customer service abilities. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail. Master's degree in a relevant field. Experience in higher education grants administration. Experience with both pre-award and post-award sponsored project management. Knowledge of federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Experience working with federal agencies, foundations, corporate sponsors, and state funding sources. Familiarity with University research administration systems and processes About Penn State Outreach Penn State Outreach connects the resources of the University with communities across the Commonwealth and beyond. Through innovative programs, partnerships, and externally funded initiatives, Outreach advances student success, community impact, and organizational sustainability. The Proposal and Award Team Lead plays a critical leadership role in supporting these efforts by ensuring excellence in sponsored project administration and fostering a culture of service, compliance, and continuous improvement. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. 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 $65,508.00 - $94,980.00. 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. Penn State 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 Copyright Information Hotlines