Education Program Specialist- Nittany AI

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in University Park is seeking an entry-level Nittany AI Education Program Specialist to help students participate in the Nittany AI Challenge and to create AI tools that support the Challenge. The role also offers the chance to pursue a master’s degree during the appointment, blending academic growth with real-world impact.

This position involves working closely with students, faculty, and partners on campus, including regular on-campus engagement during the semester and

Qualifications

• Comfort with technology and the ability to learn and troubleshoot new AI tools and platforms.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple deadlines, teams, and moving parts.
• Ability to work in person at University Park, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities

• Program Development and AI Tools: Support the program manager to improve learning experiences and workflows.
• Technical Support for Interns: Act as first point of contact for student interns on technical needs and tool setup.
• Mentorship and Student Engagement: Guide project development and collaborative teamwork for Challenge participants.
• Workshop and Event Support: Plan and lead technical workshops and ideation sessions.
• Program Impact and Reporting: Track attendance, milestones, and feedback for annual reports.

Skills

Tech troubleshooting

Organizational skills

On-site at University Park

Team collaboration

Mentorship experience

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Nittany AI Alliance is looking for a motivated, early-career professional to join our team as a Nittany AI Education Program Specialist . This is an entry-level role and a great fit for someone who enjoys working with students, solving technical problems, and keeping a busy program running smoothly. Experience with Nittany AI Alliance programs is a plus but not required.

As a Nittany AI Education Program Specialist, you will play a pivotal role by helping the program manager support students as they participate in the Nittany AI Challenge as well as creating new AI tools that support the inner workings of the Challenge. The Education Program Specialist will also have the unique opportunity to pursue a master's degree during their appointment, blending academic advancement with real-world impact.

This opportunity offers a transformative experience at the intersection of applied AI, education, and community engagement - ideal for those ready to give back while accelerating their own professional and academic journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development and AI Tools: Support the program manager to improve learning experiences, refine workflows, team collaboration, and effective use of AI tools.
• Technical Support for Interns: Act as the first point of contact for student interns on a wide range of technical needs, including troubleshooting AI tools and platforms, supporting development work, setting up tools and accounts, and advance student success.
• Mentorship and Student Engagement: Assist the program manager to mentor and support Challenge participants by guiding project development, team collaboration, and effective use of AI tools.
• Workshop and Event Support: Support the program manager in planning and leading technical workshops, including HackPSU, ideation sessions, and team-building activities that advance student success and support Nittany AI program goals.
• Program Impact and Reporting: Work with the program manager to track workshop attendance, program milestones, and use participant feedback to prepare annual impact reports that can strengthen the program.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required Certifications:

None

Required Qualifications

• Comfort with technology and the ability to learn and troubleshoot new AI tools and platforms
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, teams, and moving parts
• Ability to work in person at University Park, including occasional evening and weekend hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Nittany AI Alliance programs, the Nittany AI Challenge, or similar programs such as hackathons, accelerators, or student innovation competitions
• Experience mentoring, or leading peers or student teams
• Experience supporting others with technical tools, such as tutoring, help desk work, teaching assistance, or peer mentoring
• Strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills
• Passion for project-based learning, mentorship, and applied AI

Because this role works closely with students, faculty, and college/university partners, it includes regular on-campus engagement during the semester (typically 3-4 days each week) and occasional evening and weekend hours. When evening or weekend hours are required, time can be flexed. Questions related to the schedule can be directed to the hiring manager.

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 $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designe