Education Program Specialist

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.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Nittany AI Alliance is looking for a motivated, early-career professional to join our team as a Nittany AI Education Program Specialist. This is an entry-level role and a great fit for someone who enjoys working with students, solving technical problems, and keeping a busy program running smoothly. Experience with Nittany AI Alliance programs is a plus but not required.

As a Nittany AI Education Program Specialist, you will play a pivotal role by helping the program manager support students as they participate in the Nittany AI Challenge as well as creating new AI tools that support the inner workings of the Challenge. The Education Program Specialist will also have the unique opportunity to pursue a master's degree during their appointment, blending academic advancement with real-world impact.

This opportunity offers a transformative experience at the intersection of applied AI, education, and community engagement — ideal for those ready to give back while accelerating their own professional and academic journeys.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development and AI Tools: Support the program manager to improve learning experiences, refine workflows, team collaboration, and effective use of AI tools.
• Technical Support for Interns: Act as the first point of contact for student interns on a wide range of technical needs, including troubleshooting AI tools and platforms, supporting development work, setting up tools and accounts, and advance student success.
• Mentorship and Student Engagement: Assist the program manager to mentor and support Challenge participants by guiding project development, team collaboration, and effective use of AI tools.
• Workshop and Event Support: Support the program manager in planning and leading technical workshops, including HackPSU, ideation sessions, and team-building activities that advance student success and support Nittany AI program goals.
• Program Impact and Reporting: Work with the program manager to track workshop attendance, program milestones, and use participant feedback to prepare annual impact reports that can strengthen the program.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
Required Certifications:
None

Required Qualifications:

• Comfort with technology and the ability to learn and troubleshoot new AI tools and platforms
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, teams, and moving parts
• Ability to work in person at University Park, including occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Nittany AI Alliance programs, the Nittany AI Challenge, or similar programs such as hackathons, accelerators, or student innovation competitions
• Experience mentoring, or leading peers or student teams
• Experience supporting others with technical tools, such as tutoring, help desk work, teaching assistance, or peer mentoring
• Strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills
• Passion for project-based learning, mentorship, and applied AI

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 $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

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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