Industry Engagement & Student Success Specialist

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Pennsylvania State University’s John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) seeks an Academic Program Specialist to advance student success and strengthen links among students, faculty, and industry partners. The role integrates academic affairs, student services, and industry engagement to foster recruitment, placement, and program operations.

Responsibilities span developing recruitment and career pipelines, coordinating employer partnerships, managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 1+ years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic recruitment and career placement initiatives to strengthen undergraduate and graduate pipelines and improve student outcomes.
• Analyze recruitment, placement, and engagement data; identify trends and develop actionable recommendations to improve program performance.
• Collaborate with academic advisers, program chairs, and academic leadership to align outreach strategies with departmental priorities.
• Serve as EME's representative to EMS Admissions and Career Services, contributing to college-level planning and coordinated recruitment strategies.
• Build and sustain relationships with industry partners to expand internship, co-op, and full-time employment opportunities.
• Represent EME in internal and external forums, advising on employer engagement models and workforce development needs.
• Design, administer, and continuously improve employer engagement and recruiting programs that connect students with industry opportunities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employers and recruiters, advising on engagement strategies and participation models.
• Oversee recruiting infrastructure, including Nittany Lion Careers, information sessions, and interview programs, ensuring effective and scalable operations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of recruiting processes and employer engagement efforts; implement enhancements to improve employer participation and student access.
• Gather and interpret employer feedback to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and execute communication strategies to promote internship, co-op, and employment opportunities to students.
• Administer and continuously improve academic affairs processes in partnership with departmental leadership and administrative teams.
• Coordinate faculty personnel processes, including promotion and tenure (P&T), non-tenure-line promotions, and faculty evaluation cycles, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Interpret and apply University and college policies, providing guidance to faculty and leadership on timelines, requirements, and appropriate courses of action.
• Manage faculty activity reporting processes, including Activity Insight data, external review coordination, and submission of required materials.
• Serve as a departmental resource and consultant on academic personnel processes, ensuring consistent application of policies and adherence to institutional guidelines.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and recommend enhancements to increase efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness.
• Oversee program operations related to visiting scholars, including appointment coordination, documentation, and onboarding in collaboration with University offices.
• Lead and support faculty and staff search processes by coordinating administrative components, advising search committees, and ensuring compliance with University procedures.
• Coordinate and enhance departmental engagement activities, including candidate visits, guest speakers, and external partner interactions, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Identify and implement process improvements across program operations to enhance effectiveness and stakeholder experience.

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Pennsylvania State University’s John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering (EME) seeks an Academic Program Specialist to advance student success and strengthen links among students, faculty, and industry partners. The role integrates academic affairs, student services, and industry engagement to foster recruitment, placement, and program operations.

Responsibilities span developing recruitment and career pipelines, coordinating employer partnerships, managing