University Park, PA — Jennifer Taylor-Hillebrand has been named the inaugural director of the Subaward Administration and Compliance Office (SACO), housed within Penn State’s Office of Research Administration Services (ORAS), effective Dec. 9.
SACO aims to revolutionize how Penn State manages its $203 million in active subawards and subcontracts. By collaborating initially with the College of Engineering, SACO will develop a streamlined model to improve subaward set-up, expedite payment processes, strengthen subrecipient monitoring, and ensure efficient closeouts. If successful, the model will be offered to other colleges within the University.
Under Taylor-Hillebrand’s leadership, SACO will enhance Penn State’s ability to support collaborative research while advancing compliance and operational efficiency. This effort aligns with the University’s mission to foster impactful research partnerships and drive innovation. Taylor-Hillebrand will report to Jason Guilbeault, assistant vice president for research, post-award contractual compliance, ORAS.
“Jennifer Taylor-Hillebrand is the perfect choice to lead this transformative effort,” said John Hanold, associate vice president for research. “Her depth of experience, proven leadership, and dedication to advancing research administration make her an invaluable asset as we launch this critical initiative.”
With over 20 years of experience in research administration, including an 11-year tenure at Penn State, Taylor-Hillebrand brings a wealth of expertise to this transformative initiative. During her previous tenure at Penn State, Taylor-Hillebrand held key roles in the Office of Sponsored Programs, including negotiator, senior negotiator, subaward policy specialist, and chair of the Subaward Committee. She has also held senior research administration positions at both private and public land-grant research universities. Taylor-Hillebrand is widely recognized for her expertise, having presented on subawards to faculty and research administrators, and at national forums such as the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA).
“I am thrilled to return to Penn State and lead this exciting initiative,” said Taylor-Hillebrand. “The Subaward Administration and Compliance Office will play a pivotal role in streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and providing greater support to our researchers and subrecipients. I look forward to building on Penn State’s strong tradition of research excellence.”
Taylor-Hillebrand’s achievements include the Penn State Administrative Committee on Research Award for Outstanding Service and the Emerging Leaders Certificate. She has completed the Administrative Committee on Research Fellows Program, earned Penn State Certified Research Administrator credentials, and served as an instructor in the ACES program. Recently, she expanded her expertise through the Society of Research Administrators LevelUP Micro-credential Program. Taylor-Hillebrand holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from West Chester University.
To learn more about SACO and stay informed about the Research Support Transformation Project, access updates, explore the feedback portal and learn about various workstreams, visit the Research Support Transformation Project SharePoint site.