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- 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
Join the Willard Administrative Staff Team as an Administrative Assistant to provide support to the departments of Africana Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and the African Research Center within the College of the Liberal Arts.
The Administrative Assistant plays a key role in supporting the administrative and operational functions of department heads and directors across the above units, coordinating events, communications, financial processes, and daily operations.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Plan and coordinate events for postdoctoral fellows and speakers affiliated with the Center and assigned departments/programs
Provide backup support for events such as conferences, talks, and workshops, including assisting with event logistics
Coordinate schedules and activities with university and external collaborators, including travel, event planning, and communication with partners
Prepare various financial forms and reconciliation of purchasing card charges
Monitor and maintain assigned department heads/directors’ calendars and conference rooms schedules
Compose, edit, and proof correspondence
Make travel arrangements for assigned department heads/directors and other collaborators, as requested
Assist in creating and coordinating promotional materials; maintain assigned websites and social media accounts
Create and maintain the departments and center files, reports, and databases
Schedule and document regular meetings with assigned Advisory Boards and alumni group
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or similar tools for communication, document preparation, spreadsheet tracking, and scheduling
Experience with financial processes, including expense tracking and reconciliation systems
Effective verbal and written communication skills; driven to provide excellent customer service
Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to exercise discretion and judgment while managing confidential materials
Excellent organization skills with the ability to manage and prioritize tasks
Demonstrated ability to work independently
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: NoneImportant Application Instructions:
Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.
Additional Information:The College of the Liberal Arts 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: In accordance with College guidelines, 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 $40,608.00 - $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 or high school diploma
- At least 2 years of relevant experience
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or similar tools
- Experience with financial processes, expense tracking, and reconciliation systems
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage confidential materials with discretion and judgment
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks
- Ability to work independently
- Successful completion of required background checks
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States
- Cover letter addressing interest and relevant experience
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.
