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.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Office of Professional Graduate and Executive Programs of the Smeal College of Business is seeking an Academic Program Specialist to facilitate admissions and new student enrollment in support of the Managing Director of Online Specialty Master’s and Graduate Certificates. This position will manage all aspects of the prospect nurturing and admission process for eight online specialty master’s degrees and 16 graduate certificates in a dynamic environment with potential for portfolio growth.   

This position will require communicating with prospects through various modes including emails, calls, and virtual meetings. It will need to provide counseling and guidance regarding program fit and admission requirements for many complex graduate programs. The Academic Program Specialist will need to have knowledge of University and Graduate School policies and be able to apply them to admissions operations. This position will prepare and process all incoming applications for the admissions committee for three intakes annually. Upon decision, this position will communicate admission information to candidates and provide step by step direction to those who have been accepted. The Academic Program Specialist will work daily in many University platforms including LionPATH, GRADS, Salesforce, CANVAS, and Microsoft 0365. Additionally, this position will assist with prospect and student events, website review, and any projects assigned by the Managing Director. 

This position requires a bachelor’s degree with one year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Skills and attributes essential to be successful in this position include the ability to: communicate in a clear, professional and timely manner, manage complex details for multiple programs with speed and accuracy, assess tasks independently to organize and prioritize work accordingly, use program and University resources to problem-solve, work collaboratively in the immediate team as well as with the entire Professional Graduate and Executive Programs unit and other units within and outside of the Smeal College of Business. 

The work arrangement for the Academic Program Specialist is fully remote with the opportunity to work on campus as discussed with the Managing Director. 

To be considered for this role, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume along with their online application. 

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability i