- 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.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Extension in Lehigh County is seeking a detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to serve as Office Manager and provide comprehensive office management, financial oversight, and program support. This role ensures smooth daily operations and supports key initiatives including the 4-H, Master Gardener, and Master Watershed programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage financial accounts in compliance with Penn State accounting procedures, including budget monitoring, expenditure processing, receipting, bank deposits, and reconciliation.
- Serve as purchasing agent for office supplies and publications; maintain office equipment.
- Act as primary liaison for internal and external contacts; provide front-line customer service and general office support.
- Coordinate scheduling for staff, educators, and departmental meetings; manage calendars and appointments.
- Support program promotion by assisting educators with flyers, brochures, media releases, and publication management.
- Maintain and update CRM databases (Salesforce); assist with communications and volunteer management.
- Track volunteer clearances and hours using Connect and Zsuites.
- Assist with planning and setup of workshops, classes, and special events; manage meeting space logistics and security requirements.
- Support social media and website communications (Facebook, PLONE, Twitter); draft and distribute press releases for Extension programs.
Required Qualifications
- Proven administrative experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting.
- Knowledge of Penn State systems (SAP Concur, SIMBA, Workfront, ServiceNow) or similar systems and procedures and Extension programming and operations is required.
- Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
- Experience with CRM platforms, especially Salesforce.
- Must have experience with Connect (Master Gardener and Master Watershed) and Zsuites (4-H).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual Spanish/English preferred to effectively communicate with and provide services and program support to the Spanish-speaking community.
- Prior Extension experience preferred especially in the financial systems.
- Proficiency in social media and basic graphic design tools is desirable.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience; Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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
- GED or high school diploma with 2+ years of relevant experience; relevant education may substitute for experience
- Proven administrative experience, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting
- Knowledge of Penn State systems such as SAP Concur, SIMBA, Workfront, and ServiceNow, or similar systems and procedures
- Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills
- Experience with CRM platforms, especially Salesforce
- Experience with Connect and Zsuites
- Bilingual Spanish and English communication skills
- Prior Extension experience, especially with financial systems
- Proficiency in social media and basic graphic design tools
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check
- Successful completion of standard employment background checks
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.
Penn State University Insights
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.
