Assistant Director for Recruitment and Engagement

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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.

• 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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) seeks an innovative, energetic, and highly organized professional to serve as an Assistant Director for Recruitment and Engagement. Administered through the Office of the Provost, MSP is a comprehensive undergraduate STEM initiative dedicated to preparing talented, highly motivated students to pursue doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program provides a supportive four-year learning community emphasizing academic excellence, undergraduate research, mentoring, and professional development.

The Assistant Director provides leadership for the recruitment, admissions, and selection of each incoming cohort of Millennium Scholars. This position develops and implements strategic recruitment initiatives, manages a competitive admissions process, and coordinates major recruitment events. The Assistant Director collaborates closely with Undergraduate Admissions, Schreyer Honors College, the six partnering STEM colleges, and external educational organizations to attract outstanding students from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Outreach: Develop and implement annual recruitment strategies, including high school visits, college fairs, campus events, targeted communications, and partnerships with school counselors and community-based organizations. Collaborate with university recruitment partners to expand the applicant pool and strengthen enrollment outcomes.
• Admissions and Selection: Manage the annual application and selection process involving approximately 1,200 applicants. Oversee applicant communications, database management, application reviews, interview invitations, scholar selection, and award notifications. Analyze recruitment and enrollment data to assess effectiveness and guide improvements.
• Interview Weekend Leadership: Lead the planning and execution of MSP's annual two-day Interview Weekend, involving approximately 90 prospective scholars and their families, with total participation of approximately 300 individuals. Coordinate faculty and staff interviews, college participation, family programming, and selection activities.
• Student Engagement: Serve as an active member of the MSP team, participating in the six-week residential Summer Bridge program, monthly scholar meetings, professional development activities, and other events that strengthen student engagement, community, and retention.
• Program Administration: Prepare recruitment reports and admissions analyses, coordinate recruitment budgets and expenditures, and represent MSP in university and external recruitment initiatives.

Position Impact

The Assistant Director plays a central role in identifying and recruiting the next generation of STEM researchers and leaders. Success in this position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, strategic thinking, strong collaborative relationships, and the ability to manage complex projects while contributing to a dynamic student-centered team.

Additional Information
In order to be considered for this position, please provide a copy of your resume/CV, a cover letter, and three references. Application review is anticipated to begin on November 13, 2026, with a target start date of January 18, 2027.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

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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