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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 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the Eberly College of Science seeks an experienced administrative professional to apply for the position of Academic Program Coordinator, which includes the position of Graduate Program Coordinator. This position will report to the Administrative Support Manager. As the Graduate Program Coordinator, they will work closely with the Associate Head of Graduate Education and Director of Graduate Affairs.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Being responsible for the day-to-day administrative duties related to the graduate program
- Assemble and maintain confidential graduate files
- Utilize LionPATH to enter and retrieve information for admissions, drop/add, instructional information, audits, transcripts, etc.
- Responsible for on boarding of incoming graduate students
- Monitor degree requirements for Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB) students
- Responsible to the Recruiting Committee for sending information and responding to questions regarding the BMMB program
- Monitoring all materials received from prospective students
- Maintaining information on the GRADS system
- Coordinating arrangements for prospective student visits
- Sending acceptance/rejection follow-up letters
- Using spreadsheets for compiling information on applicants for Committee review
- Coordinate graduate funding allocations which includes keeping accurate budget records of multiple funds
- Prepare, approve, and submit graduate scholarships and appointments each semester
- Coordinate all recruitment events along with program director
- Budget monitoring which includes making sure the program runs within budget along with processing travel reimbursements and travel awards for graduate students (current and prospective)
Must have excellent computer skills and have experience with systems including SIMBA, GRADS, Worklion, CANVAS, iTWO, CollegeNet, and LionPATH is preferred and be proficient with Office 365.
Candidates for consideration will exhibit excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, and demonstrated conscientious attention to detail and organization.
The successful candidate must have: a strong commitment to diversity, equity, respect, and inclusion, be highly motivated, exhibit a high level of professionalism, and a dedication to exceptional customer service.
Consistent high quality and thorough work is critical and must be able to work with minimal supervision and exercise discretion and independent judgment. This position requires in-depth knowledge about The Graduate School and graduate student records.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Senior Support, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position requires: General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience 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 $40,608.00 - $64,668.00.
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
- Associate degree and four or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent computer skills
- Proficiency with Office 365
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Conscientious attention to detail and strong organization
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and exercise discretion and independent judgment
- In-depth knowledge of The Graduate School and graduate student records
- Experience with SIMBA, GRADS, Worklion, Canvas, iTWO, CollegeNet, and LionPATH
- GED or high school diploma and two or more years of relevant experience for the Intermediate Support level
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.
