Director of Graduate Program Operations - Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Penn State; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State seeks an experienced Director of Graduate Program Operations to oversee several interdisciplinary graduate programs. The role includes coordinating admissions, student services, curricula, scheduling, and events, while supervising academic and administrative staff.

The successful candidate will partner with graduate program chairs, faculty, students, and university partners to improve processes, manage budgets, and advance Huck’s graduate

Qualifications

• Experience in graduate education or graduate program administration.
• Experience in interdisciplinary or multi-unit academic environments.
• Knowledge of academic policy, curriculum, admissions, or Graduate School processes.
• Experience with process improvement, strategic planning, or financial management in higher education.
• Strong supervisory and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational oversight for a portfolio of interdisciplinary graduate programs.
• Coordinate admissions, student services, curriculum and course processes, scheduling, student milestones, and program events.
• Supervise, train, coach, and support academic program and administrative staff.
• Establish priorities, coordinate workloads, and promote consistent and effective program administration.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and develop solutions to operational challenges.
• Lead or participate in projects and initiatives affecting multiple graduate programs.
• Monitor program budgets and assist with financial planning and expense tracking.
• Build effective relationships with University partners and support Graduate Education strategic initiatives.

Skills

Staff supervision

Budget management

Process improvement

Project coordination

Education

Master's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

**POSITION SPECIFICS**The **Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences** at Penn State is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to support our Graduate Education team as the **Director of Graduate Program Operations**. This position will be filled at as **Academic Program Specialist - Supervisor OR Senior Supervisor**. The level will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will provide administrative and operational support for approximately six interdisciplinary graduate programs while supervising and coordinating academic program and administrative staff. This position reports to the Managing Director of the Huck Institutes and works closely with graduate program chairs, faculty, students, staff, the Fox Graduate School, and other University partners. The successful candidate will support program operations, solve problems, improve processes, and contribute to initiatives that advance Huck’s graduate education programs. **Responsibilities:** * Provide administrative and operational oversight for a portfolio of interdisciplinary graduate programs.* Coordinate admissions, student services, curriculum and course processes, scheduling, student milestones, and program events.* Serve as a resource to graduate program chairs, faculty, students, and staff regarding program operations and University policies.* Supervise, train, coach, and support academic program and administrative staff.* Establish priorities, coordinate workloads, and promote consistent and effective program administration.* Identify opportunities for process improvement and develop solutions to operational challenges.* Lead or participate in projects and initiatives affecting multiple graduate programs.* Monitor program budgets and assist with financial planning and expense tracking.* Build effective relationships with University partners and support Graduate Education strategic initiatives. **Preferred Education and Experience:** * Experience in graduate education or graduate program administration.* Experience working in interdisciplinary or multi-unit academic environments.* Knowledge of academic policy, curriculum, admissions, student records, or Graduate School processes.* Experience with process improvement, strategic planning, or financial management in higher education. **Why Join the Huck Institutes?**The Huck Institutes offer a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of interdisciplinary research, graduate education, and innovation. You will join a collaborative team dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and continuous improvement. **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**If filled as Academic Program Specialist - Senior Supervisor, this position requires:Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Academic Program Specialist - Supervisor, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant 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 - $94,980.00. 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.