Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Compliance

The Compliance Specialist supports and advances the University's institutional compliance efforts by promoting adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and University policies; is responsible for fostering a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability across the University community; develops, implements, and monitors compliance initiatives; conducts audits and investigations; provides guidance and training; collaborates with stakeholders to ensure effective compliance practices are integrated into academic, administrative, and operational functions.

• Support the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of University compliance programs
• Ensure the University community, including trustees, executives, administrators, faculty, staff, and students are informed of and understand statutory, regulatory, and institutional ethics, culture, values, and standards of conduct requirements
• Serve as a subject-matter expert on compliance-related matters and provide consultation across departments
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., Office of General Counsel, HR, Finance, Student Affairs, academic units, administrative units) to develop, revise, and implement compliance policies, procedures, and protocols
• Ensure policies align with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in higher education compliance
• Plan and conduct annual, periodic, and targeted compliance audits across functional areas
• Monitor compliance activities and internal controls to identify risks, gaps, and areas for improvement
• Respond to compliance concerns, reports, and audit findings in a timely and effective manner
• Collect, analyze, and maintain documentation related to compliance requirements and incidents
• Conduct or support investigations into alleged non-compliance or misconduct
• Prepare reports of findings and present to appropriate stakeholders
• Develop and implement corrective action plans; monitor remediation efforts to ensure sustained compliance
• Stay current on evolving statutory and regulatory requirements impacting higher education; disseminate relevant updates and guidance to University stakeholders
• Translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance
• Assist in the development, delivery, and evaluation of compliance education and training programs
• Promote awareness of compliance obligations and ethical standards across the institution
• Track and report training participation to ensure required compliance education is completed
• Prepare University units for external audits, reviews, and regulatory inspections
• Conduct pre-audit assessments to identify compliance risks and gaps; provide guidance on corrective actions and documentation readiness
• Maintain accurate and complete records of compliance activities, including audits, investigations, training, and remediation efforts
• Generate reports, dashboards, and metrics to support compliance oversight and decision-making
• Provide guidance on embedding compliance and ethical practices into academic, administrative, and operational processes
• Promote a proactive, risk-aware culture aligned with institutional values

Level:

– Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates baseline working knowledge of routine work tasks. Follows the standard principles and practices. Acts under direct and frequent supervision using established procedures with detailed instructions. Participates as a team member and actively contributes to completion of team goals. Clearly communicates information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– None

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Typically none

Problem Solving:

– Encounters routine problems
– Follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems

Independence of Action:

– Work is closely monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are provided
– Applies standard operating procedures with limited guidelines for deviation

Communication and Collaboration:

– Typically communicates internally within working unit
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Clearly communicates information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $54,060.00
• MidPoint – $66,252.00
• Maximum – $78,444.00

• Audit Management
• Audit planning
• Consulting
• Document management
• Investigation
• Needs Assessment
• Policy analysis
• Presentation Skills
• Regulatory compliance
• Report writing