Assistant Program Director

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an innovative Assistant Program Director to enhance the academic experience of undergraduate students in a prestigious program. This role involves providing essential academic coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to a diverse group of students. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring students meet program requirements and thrive in their academic pursuits, particularly in STEM fields. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering educational success and diversity, and make a significant impact on the future of aspiring scholars. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a program with a proven track record of excellence in supporting students' academic journeys.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in academic coaching and student advocacy.
• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. preferred in relevant fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic coaching and support to undergraduate students.
• Plan and implement workshops and programs for student engagement.

Skills

Academic Coaching

Student Advocacy

Professional Development

Mentorship

Counseling

Education

Master’s degree in STEM education or related fields

Ph.D. in STEM or related fields

Job description

Assistant Program Director page is loaded

Assistant Program Director

Apply locations Penn State University Park time type Full time posted on Posted 2 Days Ago job requisition id REQ_0000064514

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 Penn State Millennium Scholars Program seeks an innovative, energetic professional to fill the position of Assistant Program Director (Student Advocacy Specialist). This position provides academic coaching and support to about 150 undergraduate students participating in the Millennium Scholars Program, with a special focus on second-year students and their unique needs. The mission of the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program (MSP) is to cultivate a diverse group of undergraduate scholars who are highly motivated to ultimately pursue doctoral degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. This program is managed through the Office of the President.

The Assistant Program Director assists all MSP students in meeting program requirements through specialized counseling and instruction regarding professional development, obtaining research experience, participation in professional conferences, and preparing for strong academic outcomes. The Assistant Program Director also plans, prepares, and implements a series of ongoing workshops, programs, and events including seminar courses, scholarly visits to research facilities, and individualized advising, counseling, and mentorship.

This position works with students, advisors, associate deans, and faculty in six colleges (Eberly College of Science, Agricultural Sciences, Information Sciences and Technology, Engineering, Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Health and Human Development). This position is also engaged with residence life, financial aid, and the Millennium Scholars Program Steering Committee. The Millennium Scholars Program is one of six similar programs that follow the Meyerhoff Scholars model and form a national partnership sharing best practices. The Assistant Program Director visits, works with, and shares best practices with counterparts at other universities, enabling all programs to be more effective in increasing the number of undergraduate students academically prepared to become Ph.D. scholars.

All Assistant Program Directors for the MSP positively and directly impact the retention and graduation rate of student audiences that are not typically engaged in STEM majors at Penn State. While the national average for graduation in STEM fields for these groups without intervention is well below 50%, the graduation rate for Penn State Millennium Scholars is at 91%, with most going on directly into Ph.D. programs. This success can be directly attributed to the Assistant Program Directors who together invest in all four years of the student experience at Penn State.

Education and experience:

This position requires a minimum of 6+ years of relevant experience and a Master’s degree in STEM education, a STEM field, counselor education, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related fields. A Ph.D. is preferred with experience in STEM intervention programming and a demonstrated understanding educational access.

This position requires the following clearances:

PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to clearances.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $51,000.00 - $74,000.00.

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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.