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POSITION SPECIFICS
The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking leader to help shape the next chapter of the Nittany AI Alliance (NAIA). This position offers a unique opportunity to reimagine and strengthen experiential learning programs that bring together students, faculty, and external partners to explore responsible, inclusive, and meaningful applications of artificial intelligence.
The successful candidate will lead a talented team in advancing Nittany AI Inspire, the annual Nittany AI Challenge, classroom-connected AI experiences, and a new faculty affiliates program. Working across Penn State and with industry, nonprofit, government, alumni, and community partners, this individual will translate innovative ideas into sustainable programs and expand opportunities for students from diverse disciplines to apply AI to real-world challenges.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead the day-to-day operations of the Nittany AI Alliance by supervising staff, setting priorities, assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and feedback, supporting employee development, and building a high-performing, accountable team culture.
Guide the continued growth and evolution of NAIA by developing operational strategies, implementing new initiatives, and supporting the transition from externally focused projects to integrated classroom experiential learning.
Lead and enhance key NAIA initiatives, including Nittany AI Inspire, the annual Nittany AI Challenge, and other experiential learning opportunities that engage students across disciplines.
Establish learning outcomes and assessment methods; analyze participation and program data to recommend improvements.
Develop and manage a faculty affiliates program that connects faculty expertise with student mentoring, workshops, classroom projects, and other experiential learning activities.
Support faculty grant submissions related to AI research, outreach, and education.
Establish consistent processes for project selection, program planning, budgeting, communication, assessment, and reporting.
Coordinate with faculty, facilitators, technical experts, mentors, judges, and partners who support program delivery and student teams.
Build relationships with academic units, other colleges, Commonwealth Campuses, and industry, nonprofit, government, alumni, and community partners to identify programming needs, expand participation, and develop appropriately scoped educational experiences.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
Required Skills
Experience developing, managing, delivering, or evaluating educational, professional development, outreach, or co-curricular programs.
Experience working in higher education or collaborating with faculty, students, academic programs, or educational organizations.
Experience supervising employees or leading teams, including assigning work, setting priorities, and providing feedback.
Strong program management, organizational, facilitation, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal and external partners.
Ability to collect and analyze program data and use findings to guide program improvement.
Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and its applications, limitations, and responsible-use considerations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with experiential learning, internships, capstones, innovation competitions, or project-based learning.
Experience leading program development, organizational change, or the implementation of new processes.
Master’s degree in a related field.
Teaching experience.
Because this role works closely with students, faculty, and college/university partners, it includes regular on-campus engagement during the semester (typically 3-4 days each week) and occasional evening and weekend hours. When evening or weekend hours are required, time can be flexed. Questions related to the schedule can be directed to the hiring manager.
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 - $94,980.00.
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
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 6+ years of relevant experience
- Experience developing, managing, delivering, or evaluating educational, professional development, outreach, or co-curricular programs
- Experience working in higher education or collaborating with faculty, students, academic programs, or educational organizations
- Experience supervising employees or leading teams, including assigning work, setting priorities, and providing feedback
- Strong program management, organizational, facilitation, and communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with internal and external partners
- Ability to collect and analyze program data and use findings to guide program improvement
- Working knowledge of artificial intelligence and its applications, limitations, and responsible-use considerations
- Successful completion of background check(s) per university policy
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas)
- Experience with experiential learning, internships, capstones, innovation competitions, or project-based learning
- Experience leading program development, organizational change, or implementation of new processes
- Master's degree in a related field
- Teaching 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.
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.
