Admissions 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Part-Time Admissions Specialist helps coordinate recruitment activities, support admissions events, and communicate with prospective students and families. This position contributes to recruitment efforts, provides strong customer service, collaborates with campus partners, and stays current on University programs and policies.

Key Responsibilities:
 

Event Support & Coordination

• Support the full-time Admissions Officers with planning on-campus and virtual admissions events, including Open Houses, Admitted Student Events (ASE), Spend A Summer Day (SASD), and ad hoc visit days.
• Reserve event spaces, including atrium and lobby areas, and coordinate furniture and setup needs.
• Create event registration in Slate and track attendance.
• Assist with pre- and post-event communications, including follow-up surveys and feedback collection.

Faculty & Adviser Coordination

• Work with the Admissions Officers to secure faculty and adviser coverage for recruitment events.
• Confirm participation, send reminders, and help resolve last-minute changes or issues.
• Help coordinate adviser schedules for virtual and in-person events.

Communication & Event Presence

• Attend virtual or in-person admissions events to monitor chats, assist participants, and address technical or logistical needs.
• Provide timely, friendly email support to prospective students and visitors.
• Represent the University at select recruitment events, such as college fairs, as needed and directed by the full-time Admissions Officers.

Administrative & Recruitment Support

• Attend admissions staff and college representative meetings to stay informed about recruitment strategies and priorities.
• Prepare materials for upcoming programs and events.
• Maintain and order print materials and other recruitment resources.
• Organize recruitment, attendance, and outreach data to support future planning.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Coordinate with other departments and University units on shared initiatives and events.
• Support targeted outreach to prospective students, families, and school counselors during campus visits and special programs.

Required/Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, higher education, or a related field required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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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