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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 Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) seeks a highly motivated Director of Career Services to lead the career services office and serve as the primary career adviser to all SIA students. SIA offers a Master of International Affairs degree, Master of Science in Global Economic and Business Relations, and various graduate certificates. The program is highly interdisciplinary with approximately 150 graduate students having earned undergraduate degrees in over 60 different majors and a curriculum and faculty that spans multiple disciplines. Career outcomes of SIA graduates are also interdisciplinary in nature with students pursuing career opportunities in a wide range of fields in both the public and private sectors.
We invite candidates who are passionate about empowering graduate students and shaping impactful career pathways to apply and join our collaborative academic community.
LOCATION
This position has a hybrid work modality option. The primary location for the role is State College PA, at the University Park campus and will require regular weekly work on campus, typically 3 days.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Career Advising: Provide students with one-on-one career support and advising, including resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, career exploration, and other job and/or internship searching strategies. Manage, compile, and share career and internship opportunities and resources for students.
Career Events and Programming: Plans and hosts a range of on-campus career programs and workshops that connect students with industry insights and provide professional development opportunities. Includes career talks with alumni and guest speakers, skill-building workshops, and panel discussions, as well as organizing two signature off-site career exposure events annually in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Network Building: This position works closely with current employers, alumni, alumni relations staff, and other career professionals to build networks and create opportunities for current students and graduates. Identifying and building relationships with new potential employers is also essential.
International Internship Programs: Manage portfolio of international internship programs and identify internship opportunities. Assist interested students through the education abroad process and collaborate with Penn State Global, provider organizations, and other partners.
Data Management: Monitor capstone/internships and internship papers and manage all career placement data and reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidates will demonstrate strength across several of the following areas:
Significant experience in career services
Experience providing career advising, coaching, or student support services
Knowledge of current job market trends and emerging career pathways
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
The ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and partners
Familiarity planning and delivering programs, workshops, or events
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Attention to detail and ability to manage data, track outcomes, and produce reports
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Career Services Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Career Services Specialist - Principal Professional, this position requires: Master's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
APPLICATION MATERIALS
For full consideration, please provide a resume and cover letter at the time of application.
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 $65,508.00 - $108,444.00.
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
- Master's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 6+ years relevant career services experience (or 8+ years if filled at principal professional level)
- Experience providing one-on-one career advising, coaching, or student support services
- Knowledge of current job market trends and emerging career pathways
- Experience planning and delivering programs, workshops, or events
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and partners
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Attention to detail and ability to manage data, track outcomes, and produce reports
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Sound judgment, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
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.
