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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 Fox Graduate School seeks qualified applicants for the position of Events Specialist, to lead the planning and execution of events that support student engagement, alumni recognition, and the visibility of the Fox Graduate School.
This position will be filled at the Events Specialist - Advanced Professional level.
Reporting to the Director of Development and Alumni Relations, this position will collaborate with Graduate Enrollment services (GES) and Graduate Educational Engagement Programs (OGEEP), and manage a broad portfolio of events that advance the school’s strategic, educational, and advancement goals.
The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with strong event management, organizational, and communication skills. The Events Specialist partners across the Fox Graduate School and the University to deliver high-quality events, enhance existing programs, and develop new initiatives that create meaningful experiences for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:Event Planning and Execution- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Fox Graduate School events, including:
- Graduate student orientations
- Commencement ceremonies
- Student awards and recognition events
- Career and professional development programs
- Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) events
- Graduate student engagement initiatives and university-wide collaborations
- Staff recognition, engagement, and development events
- Coordinate event logistics, including venue reservations, catering, audiovisual services, transportation, signage, décor, and registration.
- Serve as the primary contact for vendors, guests, and internal stakeholders.
- Manage event operations, staffing, and issue resolution during events.
- Conduct post-event assessments and recommend improvements.
- Partner with Strategic Marketing and Communications to support speeches, remarks, invitations, programs, and event communications.
- Develop and distribute event materials, timelines, surveys, and stakeholder updates.
- Collaborate with campus partners and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of event goals, messaging, and participant experience.
- Work closely with the Alumni Relations and Stewardship Officer on shared events and engagement initiatives.
- Track and reconcile event expenses in accordance with university policies.
- Maintain event records, contracts, timelines, and related documentation.
- Supervise a 0.75 FTE support staff member and oversee student workers or volunteers during event planning and execution.
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing events.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
- Experience managing large-scale or high-profile events and resolving issues in real time.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and event management platforms.
- Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
- Experience planning events in higher education or nonprofit environments.
- Familiarity with Penn State systems, including Workday, SIMBA, 25Live.
Work Arrangement
- Primarily office-based with regular on-campus event support.
- Occasional evening and weekend work required.
- Ability to transport event materials and work across multiple event venues as needed.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
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
- Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing events
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative
- Experience managing large-scale or high-profile events and resolving issues in real time
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and event management platforms
- Strong customer service orientation and collaborative approach
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Experience planning events in higher education or nonprofit environments
- Familiarity with Penn State systems, including Workday, SIMBA, and 25Live
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.
