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- 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 Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) is seeking candidates for the role of Compliance Specialist. This position supports the mission of the Office of Technology Transfer by being responsible for all financial and other compliance activities related to licensing agreements of Penn State technologies.
Candidates must be US Citizens to apply.
This position will be the filled at the Compliance Specialist - Intermediate Professional OR Advanced Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
The Compliance Specialist reports to the Associate Director of the Office of Technology Management and works closely with the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Investment Management, Accounting Operations, Research Accounting, and Office of Sponsored Programs to coordinate compliance-related activities.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Track and monitor a portfolio of 200+ license agreements and their associated compliance items.
- Coordinate with our Technology Licensing Officers (TLOs) to ensure companies are in compliance with agreement terms including:
- Payments of royalties due and other financial obligations
- Reporting obligations
- Milestones and other performance obligations
- Ensure that OTT’s database of finance and compliance information is accurate and up-to-date.
- Read through license/option agreements to identify and summarize terms that require monitoring for compliance.
- Serve as a point person for communicating with TLOs, the director/associate director, and licensees regarding compliance issues, breach of agreement terms, terminating agreements, etc.
- Develop proficiency quickly in using our database (Wellspring-Sophia) to track and report on our finance and compliance data.
- Develop detailed reports on related finance and compliance activity for the Director.
- Work closely with the Associate Director and accounting staff to minimize accounts receivable.
Work Arrangement: This is a fully on-site position, based at Penn State's University Park campus.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Open communication and confidentiality regarding license/option agreements, financials, and related matters are essential to this role.
- Must be proactive, self-motivated, and a critical thinker who can work independently and collaboratively with a strong commitment to teamwork.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail and accuracy, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn.
- Proficiency in managing email systems, databases, and electronic data tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe), as well as accounting experience.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Compliance Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Compliance Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 $59,580.00 - $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.
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Skills Required
- U.S. citizenship
- Bachelor's degree and at least 1 year of relevant experience for the Intermediate Professional level
- Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience for the Advanced Professional level
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
- Accounting experience
- Proficiency managing email systems, databases, and electronic data tools
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding agreements and financial information
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Successful completion of university-required background checks
- Relevant compliance, financial monitoring, licensing, or technology transfer experience
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
