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Academic Program Specialist, Smeal College of Business

Penn State University

University Park, PA(remote)

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$46,400–$67,300 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Case Management, Continuous Improvement, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Management, Donor Program, Event Management, Financial Aid, Funding, Information Technology & Information Systems, Logistics, Marketing Plan, Marketing Strategy, Metrics, Needs Assessment, Operational Improvement, Operational Support, Operations Management, Operations Processes, People Management, Process Improvement, Process Management, Program Evaluation, Project/Program Management, Scholarship, Staff Training, Student Services, Support Documentation, Time Management, Training/Teaching, University/School Policies
LOCATION
University Park, PA
POSTED
Today
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • 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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Smeal College of Business is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to develop, administer, and evaluate high-impact academic programs and processes. This includes first-year courses and scholarship and financial access initiatives; overseeing program operations including enrollment, student services, scheduling, data management, and communications; and develop and maintain relationships with academic and administrative partners to support student success.

For full consideration, all applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume/CV with their application.

This position will report to the Student Success Specialist and will:
  • Identify, evaluate, develop, implement, and provide ongoing oversight of academic and financial access programs, including undergraduate scholarships and emergency funding initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and student success outcomes
  • Oversee a portfolio of programs and courses, including PSU 6 and BA 197; lead and strategize program components such as course setup, enrollment projections, room scheduling, instructor hiring and compensation processes, timelines, and delivery logistics
  • Provide consultation to faculty and academic partners to support course planning and implementation; identify opportunities for course improvements and integration aligned with student success and first-year experience goals
  • Evaluate program effectiveness and performance, including scholarship utilization, student engagement, and course outcomes; interpret and present findings to inform decision-making and continuous improvement efforts
  • Develop and manage cross-program initiatives, including scholarship outreach and implementation of marketing strategies, student communications, and wellness-related programming in collaboration with campus partners
  • Administer and manage student-facing program components, including high-volume communications, case management, and support services to ensure timely, accurate, and student-centered responses
  • Manage academic operational processes, including compliance with university policies, donor agreements, and program guidelines; maintain documentation to support consistency and audit readiness
  • Collaborate with academic and administrative partners (e.g., advising, financial aid, faculty, and central offices) to align workflows, timelines, and communications; apply policy interpretation to support program implementation
  • Maintain and analyze program data, including scholarship funding, engagement metrics, and donor acknowledgment letter processes; support reporting and identify opportunities for operational and process improvements
  • Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies, including creating informational materials and supporting the execution of marketing plans to increase awareness and participation in scholarship and program opportunities
  • Foster relationships with campus stakeholders and partners, including faculty, staff, and central offices, to support program delivery, identify needs, and implement solutions that enhance the student experience
  • May provide guidance to students on program processes, eligibility, and participation requirements; monitor engagement and support student success initiatives
  • May support supervision of student workers or temporary staff, including training, task delegation, and workflow coordination
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing scholarship and student data systems (eSteward or similar CRM platforms)
  • Strong data management skills, including use of Excel for tracking, reporting, and analysis
  • Familiarity with student information systems such as LionPATH for course enrollment and registration processes
  • Experience supporting course operations, including scheduling, enrollment management, and student support
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and implement events, including logistics, coordination, and execution


Upon completion of the initial in-person, 5 day a week on-site onboarding requirement, this position may be eligible to request a hybrid schedule when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. This position cannot be fully remote. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.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 $46,400.00 - $67,300.00.

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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