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:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Support track, performs work at Senior Support level or higher; for Professional track, performs work at the Advanced Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00

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