Education Program Coordinator and Assistant to the Associate Dean, Smeal College of Business
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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 Office of Professional Graduate Programs of The Smeal College of Business is in search of an administrative professional to provide support and manage operational activities for the Associate Dean for Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education, to include high-level, confidential, and sensitive issues. Additionally, this position will provide administrative support to the Smeal portfolio of graduate certificates and professional master’s programs. Specific responsibilities include (but will not be limited to): managing daily office activities, including front office management, arranging meetings and overseeing calendars for the Associate Dean, overseeing and managing office operations, coordinating complex and conflicting schedules, performing initial market research and benchmarking on new and existing professional graduate programs, assist with budgets and expenses, conducting competitive research and data analysis, acting as a liaison with units internal and external to the College, arranging travel, coordinating travel itineraries and reimbursements, managing special events and projects, processing confidential correspondence and reports, assembling briefing materials and disseminating follow-up items, etc.
For full consideration, applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume/CV as part of their application.
Responsibilities:
Manage Associate Dean's calendar, travel, and other assigned responsibilities. This includes support for Professional Graduate Programs (18 master’s programs and 16 graduate certificates) and Executive Programs). Scheduling biweekly and monthly meetings of several groups including PGP/PSEP office meetings, PSEP business meetings, Managing Director meetings, Associate Dean 1:1 meetings with Managing Directors, Semester Academic Director meetings, marketing meetings, etc.
Conduct market research and benchmarking on new and existing professional graduate and executive education programs. Create spreadsheets and organize information to compare schools, programs, descriptions, courses, and costs. This information is used by the Associate Dean and Academic Directors to determine how to proceed with the development of a new program or to implement changes to an existing program.
Assist with Professional Graduate Programs portfolio and Executive Education survey research, development, analysis, insights, and recommendation including: Coordinate meetings with key stakeholders to discuss survey objectives, create multiple surveys (new student, mid-program, end of program, and alumni) based upon those objectives, analyze data results, share insights through creation of a PPT presentations, and provide recommendations based upon the data results. Comparison of data results will be ongoing year after year. Adjustments to survey questionnaires will be completed on an as needed basis; End of program and Alumni surveys will include gathering recommendations on post-graduate executive education. Insights will be presented to the key stakeholders; and, research and analyze data for short and long-term projects in Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education - identify competitors, gather information, survey and focus group data collection, analysis of data.
This role will serve as the PGP/PSEP Office Manager. This includes coordinating all front office/reception staffing as well as serving as a backup person to the front office team to staff the reception area when needed. This role will work from the front office area 2-3 days per week during regular business hours and as needed during peak times of year, with alternate dedicated office space for other times. The Office Manager will also coordinate the unit listserv, unit directory, ordering of office supplies and equipment, office moves, organization chart, hoteling space, and any other related office-related items.
Provide support to boards and committees (ex. PGP Board). This includes setting up meetings as needed, compiling necessary documents (agendas, biographies, etc.), scheduling and coordinating in-person events when allowable, and correspondence through email.
Successful candidate will have the following competencies:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong grammar, professionalism, and customer-focused communication.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment.
Exceptional phone etiquette and customer service skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in completing work.
Basic familiarity with AI-enabled workplace tools and the ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency and productivity.
Knowledge of University policies, procedures, and administrative practices (preferred).
This is a hybrid eligible position, typically requiring 3 days in the office during regular business hours and 2 days remote (could vary based on office need in coordination with Associate Dean).
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Education 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 Education 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.
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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 4+ years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- High school diploma or GED and 2+ years relevant experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong grammar and professionalism
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build positive working relationships
- Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to exercise sound judgment
- Exceptional phone etiquette and customer service skills
- Strong attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
- Basic familiarity with AI-enabled workplace tools
- Willingness/ability to work from the front office 2-3 days per week (hybrid schedule)
- Successful completion of background check(s)
- Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and administrative practices
- Authorization to work in the U.S. 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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