Assistant Director of Education and Outreach - Office of Research Protections
Penn State University, University Park, TX, United States
Position Specifics
The Office of Research Protections (ORP) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Education and Outreach (Research Compliance Manager - Manager level), a leadership role reporting to the Executive Director of Ethical Research and Outreach. This position is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive education and outreach program supporting the university’s research enterprise. The Assistant Director serves as a subject‑matter expert, translating complex regulatory and ethical requirements into accessible, actionable education for faculty, staff, and students. The role advances research integrity and security by aligning educational initiatives with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and national best practices, while fostering collaboration across institutional units.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Education and Training: Curriculum Development – Design and maintain advanced education and training programs addressing research compliance, integrity, and security.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): Oversee RCR training delivery and tracking to ensure institutional and federal compliance.
Needs Assessment: Identify knowledge gaps within the research community and compliance committees to inform targeted educational interventions.
Instructional Delivery: Coordinate multiple instructional formats, including in‑person workshops, webinars, and web‑based modules.
Program Evaluation: Implement assessment metrics and continuous improvement strategies based on participation data and learner feedback.
Communications and Outreach
ORP Publications: Lead content development and editorial oversight of the ORP newsletter and related communications.
Institutional Messaging: Manage the preparation and dissemination of official announcements related to policies, regulatory updates, and training opportunities.
External Engagement: Oversee social media and outreach strategies to promote ORP resources and initiatives.
Committee Support: Assist with recruiting non‑affiliated community members for university compliance committees.
Professional Representation: Represent the university at national conferences and collaborate with peer institutions to benchmark outreach and education practices.
Cross‑Unit Collaboration and Consulting
Institutional Partnerships: Work with colleges, departments, and administrative units to develop education programs addressing identified needs.
Joint Programming: Support cross‑unit workshops and certification initiatives, including ACES and PAG training programs.
Consultation: Advise graduate programs and academic units on discipline‑specific ethics and compliance education.
Internal Coordination: Serve as a liaison between the Executive Director and Education and Outreach staff to ensure strategic alignment.
Administration and Team Leadership
Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor Education and Outreach staff and front office personnel.
Resource Management: Oversee budgets and program resources to ensure efficient achievement of educational goals.
Special Projects: Support high‑priority initiatives, including institutional self‑studies and accreditation‑related activities.
Skills and Experience Strongly preferred qualifications include experience in higher education, program management, communications, and regulatory compliance. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with electronic data systems. Candidates must demonstrate effective leadership, professionalism, confidentiality, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, and achieving organizational goals.
Work Arrangement This position can operate remotely within eligible states in the U.S. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree plus 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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 $97,100.00 – $145,700.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time). Employees also receive a 75 % tuition discount for themselves and eligible spouses and children.
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 advancing equity, respect, and belonging, and we encourage individuals to thrive in a culture of inclusion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Education and Training: Curriculum Development – Design and maintain advanced education and training programs addressing research compliance, integrity, and security.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): Oversee RCR training delivery and tracking to ensure institutional and federal compliance.
Needs Assessment: Identify knowledge gaps within the research community and compliance committees to inform targeted educational interventions.
Instructional Delivery: Coordinate multiple instructional formats, including in‑person workshops, webinars, and web‑based modules.
Program Evaluation: Implement assessment metrics and continuous improvement strategies based on participation data and learner feedback.
Communications and Outreach
ORP Publications: Lead content development and editorial oversight of the ORP newsletter and related communications.
Institutional Messaging: Manage the preparation and dissemination of official announcements related to policies, regulatory updates, and training opportunities.
External Engagement: Oversee social media and outreach strategies to promote ORP resources and initiatives.
Committee Support: Assist with recruiting non‑affiliated community members for university compliance committees.
Professional Representation: Represent the university at national conferences and collaborate with peer institutions to benchmark outreach and education practices.
Cross‑Unit Collaboration and Consulting
Institutional Partnerships: Work with colleges, departments, and administrative units to develop education programs addressing identified needs.
Joint Programming: Support cross‑unit workshops and certification initiatives, including ACES and PAG training programs.
Consultation: Advise graduate programs and academic units on discipline‑specific ethics and compliance education.
Internal Coordination: Serve as a liaison between the Executive Director and Education and Outreach staff to ensure strategic alignment.
Administration and Team Leadership
Personnel Management: Supervise and mentor Education and Outreach staff and front office personnel.
Resource Management: Oversee budgets and program resources to ensure efficient achievement of educational goals.
Special Projects: Support high‑priority initiatives, including institutional self‑studies and accreditation‑related activities.
Skills and Experience Strongly preferred qualifications include experience in higher education, program management, communications, and regulatory compliance. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with electronic data systems. Candidates must demonstrate effective leadership, professionalism, confidentiality, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong commitment to teamwork, customer service, and achieving organizational goals.
Work Arrangement This position can operate remotely within eligible states in the U.S. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree plus 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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 $97,100.00 – $145,700.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time). Employees also receive a 75 % tuition discount for themselves and eligible spouses and children.
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 advancing equity, respect, and belonging, and we encourage individuals to thrive in a culture of inclusion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr