Director of Business Operations, Comparative Medicine Animal Resource Program
Penn State University, Hershey, PA, United States
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
Position Specifics The Director of Business Operations plays a key leadership role in supporting the strategic operations, compliance, and institutional alignment of the College of Medicine's comparative medicine animal research program.
This position helps inform and execute the strategic direction of the program while ensuring the ethical and humane care of animals used in research, facilitating investigator success, and promoting institutional compliance with federal and state regulations.
Strategic Operations
Identify opportunities for program growth, including expansion of facilities, services, and research capabilities
Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery across animal care units
Address programmatic changes as outlined in the comparative medicine review from Jan 2025
Create a data and technology support program to provide actionable insights into the strategic operations of the program
Develop and leverage strategic partnerships with affiliated university programs, outside animal programs, and industry collaborators to standardize and streamline operations
Financial Management
Steward and manage the finances of the animal resource program to ensure efficient and effective use of funds, increasing cost recovery, and proforma financial modeling
Oversee and manage the annual cost recovery efforts including service line definitions, bill rate calculations and leadership approvals, and facility implementation
Drive the annual business planning and budget process to support program growth and efficiency
Review and manage financial performance details to derive actionable insights to inform strategy
In concert with the director of ARP and facilities, develop long‑range capital plan to support the program and oversee procurement and inventory management
Institutional Alignment
Align program goals and offerings with institutional research priorities and strategic initiatives
Collaborate with the Director and institutional leadership to develop long‑term strategic plans for the animal research program, aligning with the university’s research priorities and compliance standards.
Plans should address facility upgrades, staffing needs, and programmatic expansion
Contribute to grant applications and funding proposals that support infrastructure and innovation
Promote interdisciplinary research by facilitating access to shared animal resources and specialized services
Continue and enhance culture of service
Represent the program in institutional committees and external collaborations
Compliance and Education
Support the Director in developing and implementing policies and procedures aligned with USDA, AAALAC, IACUC and other applicable standards
Anticipate and address regulatory changes that may impact the program
Work with the director to implement residency program changes from an operational, reporting, and financial perspective
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor's Degree + 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None
Qualifications
Experience in research administration or animal research programs (preferable in academic or biomedical settings)
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans for complex programs
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with faculty, leadership, and external partners
Experience managing large programs with proven track record of enhancing program success and driving operational improvements
Expertise in budgeting, cost recovery models, and financial forecasting
Ability to implement technology solutions for data analytics and operational insights
Preferred Experience
Prior leadership in a comparative medicine or animal resource program
Familiarity with animal care standards (AAALAC, IACUC, USDA, etc.)
Experience supporting accreditation processes and compliance audits
Background Checks / Clearances This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
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 $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
Position Specifics The Director of Business Operations plays a key leadership role in supporting the strategic operations, compliance, and institutional alignment of the College of Medicine's comparative medicine animal research program.
This position helps inform and execute the strategic direction of the program while ensuring the ethical and humane care of animals used in research, facilitating investigator success, and promoting institutional compliance with federal and state regulations.
Strategic Operations
Identify opportunities for program growth, including expansion of facilities, services, and research capabilities
Lead initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery across animal care units
Address programmatic changes as outlined in the comparative medicine review from Jan 2025
Create a data and technology support program to provide actionable insights into the strategic operations of the program
Develop and leverage strategic partnerships with affiliated university programs, outside animal programs, and industry collaborators to standardize and streamline operations
Financial Management
Steward and manage the finances of the animal resource program to ensure efficient and effective use of funds, increasing cost recovery, and proforma financial modeling
Oversee and manage the annual cost recovery efforts including service line definitions, bill rate calculations and leadership approvals, and facility implementation
Drive the annual business planning and budget process to support program growth and efficiency
Review and manage financial performance details to derive actionable insights to inform strategy
In concert with the director of ARP and facilities, develop long‑range capital plan to support the program and oversee procurement and inventory management
Institutional Alignment
Align program goals and offerings with institutional research priorities and strategic initiatives
Collaborate with the Director and institutional leadership to develop long‑term strategic plans for the animal research program, aligning with the university’s research priorities and compliance standards.
Plans should address facility upgrades, staffing needs, and programmatic expansion
Contribute to grant applications and funding proposals that support infrastructure and innovation
Promote interdisciplinary research by facilitating access to shared animal resources and specialized services
Continue and enhance culture of service
Represent the program in institutional committees and external collaborations
Compliance and Education
Support the Director in developing and implementing policies and procedures aligned with USDA, AAALAC, IACUC and other applicable standards
Anticipate and address regulatory changes that may impact the program
Work with the director to implement residency program changes from an operational, reporting, and financial perspective
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor's Degree + 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None
Qualifications
Experience in research administration or animal research programs (preferable in academic or biomedical settings)
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans for complex programs
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for working with faculty, leadership, and external partners
Experience managing large programs with proven track record of enhancing program success and driving operational improvements
Expertise in budgeting, cost recovery models, and financial forecasting
Ability to implement technology solutions for data analytics and operational insights
Preferred Experience
Prior leadership in a comparative medicine or animal resource program
Familiarity with animal care standards (AAALAC, IACUC, USDA, etc.)
Experience supporting accreditation processes and compliance audits
Background Checks / Clearances This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
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 $97,100.00 - $145,700.00.
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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr