Assistant Program Director

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative program seeks a passionate Assistant Program Director to empower undergraduate scholars in STEM fields. This pivotal role focuses on academic coaching, professional development, and event planning to enhance student success. By collaborating with faculty and staff, you will help foster a diverse group of scholars motivated to pursue doctoral degrees. Your contributions will significantly impact retention and graduation rates among underrepresented students, making a real difference in their educational journey. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to inclusive excellence and student advocacy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6+ years of relevant experience in STEM education or related fields.
• Experience in STEM intervention programming and educational access required.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic coaching and support to undergraduate students in the program.
• Deliver weekly seminars on research preparation topics and manage tutoring programs.

Skills

Academic Coaching

Counseling

Event Planning

Research Facilitation

Professional Development Guidance

Education

Master’s Degree in STEM Education

Ph.D. in Related Fields

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Current Penn State Employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or students): Please log in to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• Current Penn State Students (not previously employed at the university): Please log in to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• Non-employees and non-students: Click "Apply" to 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 role provides academic coaching and support to approximately 150 undergraduate students in the program, focusing on second-year students and their specific needs. The program aims to cultivate a diverse group of undergraduate scholars motivated to pursue doctoral degrees in STEM fields, managed through the Office of the President.

The Assistant Program Director supports MSP students in meeting program requirements through counseling, professional development guidance, research experience facilitation, and event planning, including seminars, research visits, and mentorship. The role involves delivering weekly seminars on research preparation topics, managing tutoring programs, and collaborating with students, faculty, and staff across various colleges and external institutions to enhance student success and research opportunities.

This position impacts retention and graduation rates among underrepresented STEM students, with a notable graduation rate of 91% for MSP scholars at Penn State.

Qualifications:

Minimum 6+ years of relevant experience and a Master’s degree in STEM education, a STEM discipline, counselor education, college student personnel, higher education administration, or related fields; Ph.D. preferred. Experience in STEM intervention programming and educational access is required.

Additional Requirements:

• Clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Background Check.
• Valid driver’s license and motor vehicle records check, as the role involves operating a motor vehicle.

Additional Information:

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture of inclusive excellence. The salary range is $51,000 to $74,000, with further details on Penn State's salary structure.

Campus Security and Equal Opportunity:

Includes information on campus crime statistics, background checks, and Penn State's commitment to equal opportunity employment.