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:

Does the opportunity to lead an experiential learning program focused on team-based projects focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) to address real business problems get you excited?

Then consider joining Nittany AI Alliance to support and oversee the Advance program projects from inception to completion, acting as a coach and mentor to student teams to ensure successful outcomes and positive experiences. This role collaborates closely with project stakeholders, sponsors, and Nittany AI Alliance staff. As the Advance Program Lead Specialist, you will serve in the role of leader, mentor, and liaison, ensuring successful project execution while fostering professional growth among student participants.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Oversee the portfolio of projects, assisting and mentoring student project leaders (PLs) in their duties as scrum masters, participating in bi-weekly sprint meetings with client, and helping to achieve project success. 

• Works with SPM and AED to help set the strategic direction for the program as it relates to program focus, partner focus and alignment of resources. 

• Engage with industry partners to help identify new and project extension opportunities to support the expansion of the Advance program.

• Evaluate opportunities for improving the Advance program as it relates to improving key outcomes: student skill development and value to partners.

• Other duties as assigned.

Project Portfolio and Pipeline Management

• Work with the strategic partner manager (SPM) to develop and secure new projects with industry, internal and other partners.

• Helps to maintain the pipeline of projects with existing partners, engaging partners on how existing projects might expand to add more value or addressing new challenges.

Project Management

• Provide leadership through the full project life cycle, helping teams stay on track, resolve obstacles, and maintain high performance.

• Assist PLs in creating and maintaining project schedules, milestones, and deliverables, while ensuring team engagement and individual contributions.

• Monitor project progress across all teams to ensure alignment with semester timelines.

• Creates and executes project discovery workshops, develops project charters with SPM and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements. 

• Work closely with the AI Solution Architect to ensure the proper technology support is provided for each project.