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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.
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 J.Jeffrey and Anne Marie Fox Graduate School seeks candidates for the position of Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement. This role leads efforts to broaden access to graduate education and strengthen pathways for students from diverse backgrounds, making a meaningful impact on recruitment, retention, and success at Penn State University.
Aligned with the University's land-grant mission, this position oversees strategies for outreach, recruitment, and early engagement to support graduate enrollment and foster connections across disciplines, institutions, and communities. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate Student Engagement, the role also cultivates partnerships and programs that promote awareness and preparation for graduate study.
Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for graduate student outreach and recruitment efforts within the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs, in alignment with the mission of the Graduate School and Penn State’s land-grant commitment to broad educational access.
- Design, implement, and assess outreach initiatives and engagement programs that connect prospective graduate students from a variety of institutions and backgrounds with opportunities at Penn State.
- Develop, lead and coordinate new and existing signature recruitment and engagement programs, including the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School Open House and Penn State’s participation in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP).
- Represent the Graduate School and Penn State at graduate recruitment events, professional conferences, and institutional visits across the country to promote Penn State’s graduate programs and build strategic partnerships.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), undergraduate research programs, nonprofit organizations, and academic partners to expand access pipelines into graduate education.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and academic administrators across colleges and units to ensure alignment of outreach strategies, shared messaging, and enhanced visibility of Penn State graduate opportunities.
- Engage current graduate students through programs and events that support their academic progress, sense of belonging, and successful navigation of graduate school.
- Provide guidance and responsive communication to prospective students and partners, helping to facilitate the transition into graduate study at Penn State.
- Supervise student staff supporting recruitment and engagement efforts, including onboarding, delegation of responsibilities, and performance oversight.
- Manage budgets related to outreach and engagement initiatives; contribute to grant writing, reporting, and securing external support when applicable.
- Analyze application and enrollment trends, assess program effectiveness, and develop data-informed strategies to improve outreach, engagement, and recruitment outcomes.
- Develop and implement office procedures and strategic planning documents to advance the goals of the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs.
- Ensure compliance with university and funding policies by maintaining accurate records and completing required reports.
This position will be filled at the Advanced Professional or the Senior Professional level, based on the successful candidate's qualifications.
Required Skills: Following are the requirements for this position:
- Demonstrated commitment to graduate education, along with strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in budget management and strategic planning.
- Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials for consideration:
- A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.
- A statement describing their demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in their professional work.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining their educational background and professional experience.
Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide the names, titles, and full contact information (phone number and email address) for four professional references. Finalists will be notified before any references are contacted.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Student Advocacy Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Master's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
If filled as Student Advocacy Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
Preferred Education and Experience:
- A PhD in a relevant field would be desirable.
- Experience in program management, recruitment, retention, and diversity initiatives within higher education is strongly preferred.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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 - $74,000.00.
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.
The Pennsylvania State University 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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