Academic Program Coordinator, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Paid time off including holidays, vac.

Job summary

Penn State is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to support graduate programs within the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. You will work with students, faculty, and leaders to ensure residential, online, and hybrid programs run smoothly and meet milestones.

The role involves scheduling, admissions coordination, student advisement, and collaboration with Graduate Enrollment Services to maintain accurate records, processes, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal skills with inclusive approach.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Outstanding organizational skills and reliability.
• Customer service driven and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH for all modalities.
• Coordinate doctoral exams and defenses, including logistics.
• Monitor student progress and degree requirements, track milestones.
• Inform graduate students on registration, policies, deadlines, and graduation.
• Prepare reports, assistantship appointments, contracts and salary data.
• Coordinate graduate admissions activities and act as main contact.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

GED or HS diploma

Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is seeking an Academic Program Coordinator to join our team in a critical administrative role supporting graduate academic programs. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and academic leaders while contributing to the success of residential, online, and hybrid graduate programs. As the primary administrative support for graduate education, the Academic Program Coordinator plays an essential role in helping students navigate key academic milestones while ensuring the smooth operation of graduate programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage course schedules in LionPATH, including course setup, classroom reservations, and Zoom scheduling for residential, online, and hybrid courses.
• Coordinate doctoral examinations and dissertation defenses, managing scheduling, communications, documentation, approvals, and related logistics.
• Monitor student academic progress and degree requirements by tracking milestones, maintaining benchmark records, and reviewing graduation eligibility.
• Communicate with graduate students regarding registration, academic requirements, policies, procedures, deadlines, and graduation processes.
• Prepare and process reports, graduate assistantship appointments, offer letters, contracts, salary assignments, and related administrative documentation.
• Coordinate graduate admissions activities and serve as a primary point of contact for prospective graduate students.
• Maintain student and program records, databases, advising folders, tracking spreadsheets, and academic documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for graduate students, providing guidance on registration, advising, academic policies, and program requirements.
• Support course enrollment management through registration assistance, enrollment adjustments, overrides, course permissions, and exception processing.
• Coordinate academic meetings, special events, seminars and activities, including arrangements for facilities, supplies, technology and food service.
• Provide logistical support for residential, online, and hybrid programs through classroom scheduling, room reservations, Zoom administration, and multi-campus coordination.
• Collaborate regularly with Graduate Enrollment Services, faculty, and other university offices to support graduate education operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal skills; Inclusive and respectful when working with and supporting others
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding organizational skills and a proven record of reliable, timely task completion
• Driven to provide excellent customer service
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel is preferred.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Intermediate Support, this position requires:

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS) 2+ years of relevant experience;
• Relevant education accepted in lieu of experience;
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as Academic Program Coordinator - Support, this position requires:

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS);
• No prior relevant work experience required;
• Required Certifications: None

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In addition to Microsoft 365 and LionPath, the Academic Program Coordinator will work with various software including: SAP Concur / Employee Reimbursement System (ERS) iTwo (web-based Penn State tool used for data access, analysis, and distribution) Penn State’s Graduate Admissions Decision System (GRADS) 25Live by CollegeNet (scheduling platform)

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• 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 $36,888.00 - $58,836.00.

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.

TASKS & CONDITIONS

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Important Note: This position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.

EEO & DIVERSITY

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.

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.

VALUES

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

ABOUT US

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State.