Administrative Manager of Undergraduate Education, College of Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Administrative Manager of Undergraduate Education in the College of Engineering to lead administrative operations for the Associate Dean for Education and the undergraduate portfolio, including SEDI. The role emphasizes resource stewardship, cross-unit collaboration, and strategic execution across programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities include budgeting, HR coordination, process improvement, reporting, and ensuring compliance with university

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years relevant experience, including 3+ years supervisory.
• Experience leading administrative, financial, HR, and operational functions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day administrative, financial, and operational activities supporting the Associate Dean for Education and the undergraduate education portfolio, including SEDI.
• Provide leadership, supervision, performance management, and professional development for assigned administrative staff; establish priorities, promote collaboration, and foster an inclusive, service-oriented work environment.
• Manage budgets and financial resources for assigned areas; monitor expenditures, approve transactions, prepare financial and operational reports, and partner with Strategic Finance Partners on budget planning and forecasting.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, Information Technology, Facilities, Student Affairs, and other College and University offices.
• Lead strategic and operational initiatives; develop implementation plans, coordinate communications, assess outcomes, and recommend improvements to advance College priorities.
• Support educational programs, student success initiatives, experiential learning activities, digital education efforts, and special projects through effective coordination of resources, processes, and administrative support.
• Coordinate planning and execution of meetings, events, workshops, advisory board activities, and other programs; develop schedules, budgets, communication plans, and assessment measures as needed.
• Interpret and apply University and College policies and procedures; ensure compliance with financial, human resources, records management, academic, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate human resources activities including position requests, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, appointments, personnel actions, labor distributions, payroll-related transactions, and workforce planning.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational, financial, and workforce data to support decision-making, strategic planning, accreditation activities, communications, and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Project management

Communication

Confidentiality

Process improvement

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Administrative Manager of Undergraduate Education, College of Engineering serves as the primary administrative and operational leader supporting the Associate Dean for Education and the units within the undergraduate education portfolio, including the School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI). The position oversees the administrative, financial, human resources, and operational functions that support the College's undergraduate education mission and strategic priorities. The role provides leadership for planning, resource management, process improvement, staff supervision, and cross-unit initiatives while serving as a trusted partner to College leadership. Working independently on complex and often sensitive matters, the position ensures efficient operations, sound stewardship of resources, and effective implementation of priorities across the undergraduate education portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative, financial, and operational activities supporting the Associate Dean for Education and the undergraduate education portfolio, including the School of Engineering Design and Innovation (SEDI).
• Provide leadership, supervision, performance management, and professional development for assigned administrative staff; establish priorities, promote collaboration, and foster an inclusive, service-oriented work environment.
• Manage budgets and financial resources for assigned areas; monitor expenditures, approve transactions, prepare financial and operational reports, and partner with Strategic Finance Partners on budget planning and forecasting.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with Human Resources, Finance, Payroll, Information Technology, Facilities, Student Affairs, and other College and University offices.
• Lead strategic and operational initiatives; develop implementation plans, coordinate communications, assess outcomes, and recommend improvements to advance College priorities.
• Support educational programs, student success initiatives, experiential learning activities, digital education efforts, and special projects through effective coordination of resources, processes, and administrative support.
• Coordinate planning and execution of meetings, events, workshops, advisory board activities, and other programs; develop schedules, budgets, communication plans, and assessment measures as needed.
• Interpret and apply University and College policies and procedures; ensure compliance with financial, human resources, records management, academic, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate human resources activities including position requests, recruitment, hiring, onboarding, appointments, personnel actions, labor distributions, payroll-related transactions, and workforce planning.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational, financial, and workforce data to support decision-making, strategic planning, accreditation activities, communications, and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong financial management and budget administration skills, including planning, forecasting, financial analysis, and stewardship of resources.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• Experience developing and improving processes, managing resources, and supporting organizational goals.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with leadership, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and service-oriented workplace.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00.

• 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.

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.