- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- 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 Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to join our team in a critical administrative role supporting graduate academic programs.
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and academic leaders while contributing to the success of residential, online, and hybrid graduate programs.
As the primary administrative support for graduate education, the Academic Program Coordinator plays an essential role in helping students navigate key academic milestones while ensuring the smooth operation of graduate programs.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH, including course setup, classroom reservations, and Zoom scheduling for residential, online, and hybrid courses.
- Coordinate doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses, managing scheduling, communications, documentation, approvals, and related logistics.
- Monitor student academic progress and degree requirements by tracking milestones, maintaining benchmark records, and reviewing graduation eligibility.
- Communicate with graduate students regarding registration, academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and graduation processes.
- Prepare and process reports, graduate assistantship appointments, offer letters, contracts, salary assignments, and related administrative documentation.
- Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective graduate students.
- Maintain student and program records, databases, advising folders, tracking spreadsheets, and academic documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students, providing guidance on registration, advising, academic policies, and program requirements.
- Support course enrollment management through registration assistance, enrollment adjustments, overrides, course permissions, and exception processing.
- Coordinate academic meetings, special events, seminars and activities, including arrangements for facilities, supplies, technology and food service.
- Provide logistical support for residential, online, and hybrid programs through classroom scheduling, room reservations, Zoom administration, and multi-campus coordination.
- Collaborate regularly with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty, and other university offices to support graduate education operations.
The Academic Program Coordinator independently resolves routine and moderately complex academic and administrative issues and exercises judgment in matters related to registration, graduation, student records, and academic procedures.
The leadership team will provide cross-training with the program's other Academic Program Coordinators to promote collaboration, skill development, and operational flexibility.
LionPATH referenced above is Penn State’s student information system.
Qualifications:
- Excellent interpersonal skills; Inclusive and respectful when working with and supporting others
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Outstanding organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
- Driven to provide excellent customer service
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel is preferred.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position requires: General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Support, this position requires: General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: NoneImportant Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.
Additional Information:
In addition to Microsoft 365 and LionPath, the Academic Program Coordinator will work with various software including:
- SAP Concur / Employee Reimbursement System (ERS)
- iTwo (web-based Penn State tool used for data access, analysis, and distribution)
- Penn State’s Graduate Admissions Decision System (GRADS)
- 25Live by CollegeNet (scheduling platform)
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
Important Note: This position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.
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 $36,888.00 - $58,836.00.
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
- General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or high school diploma
- For the Intermediate Support level, at least two years of relevant experience, unless substituted by relevant education
- Strong interpersonal skills and an inclusive, respectful approach when supporting others
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Outstanding organizational skills and a record of reliable, timely task completion
- Excellent customer service orientation
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel
- No prior relevant work experience required for the Support level
- Successful completion of employment background checks
- Authorization to work in the United States without employer visa sponsorship
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.
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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.
