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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

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 responsibil