Part Time - Science, Engineering, and Technology - Administrative Assistant

The Pennsylvania State University; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Penn State Harrisburg campus is seeking an Administrative Assistant to provide day-to-day administrative and operational support to one or more academic departments, potentially spanning Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, or Chemistry.

Qualifications

• Prior administrative experience in a professional setting; higher education experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) required.
• Experience with University financial or business systems (SIMBA) preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and coordinate daily office activities and administrative processes.
• Greet and assist visitors, students, and faculty, respond to inquiries, and direct requests as appropriate.
• Provide support for scheduling, calendar management, and travel arrangements for students and faculty.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, preparing materials, and drafting agendas.
• Draft, review, and distribute internal and external communications.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data to prepare reports, presentations, contracts, and proposals.
• Create and maintain accurate files, records, and databases.
• Monitor budgets, process financial transactions, track expenditures, assist with revisions, and prepare projections.
• Manage office supplies and equipment needs, including ordering and coordinating maintenance.
• Support special events by reserving spaces, preparing itineraries and materials, coordinating with vendors, and serving as a primary contact.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• May perform confidential administrative tasks and serve in proxy roles as authorized.
• May coordinate the work of other support staff to promote efficient office operations.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Tools

SIMBA

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Science, Engineering, and Technology is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to join our team. This opening provides vital support for the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the School, serving one or more academic departments, which may include Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, or Chemistry.

The Administrative Assistant will play an integral role in ensuring smooth office operations by managing communications, coordinating schedules, supporting events, and assisting with budgetary and financial processes. We are looking for a professional who is collaborative, organized, and able to thrive in a dynamic academic environment.

Job Duties

• Plan, organize, and coordinate daily office activities and administrative processes.
• Greet and assist visitors, students, and faculty, respond to inquiries, and direct requests as appropriate.
• Provide support for scheduling, calendar management, and travel arrangements for students and faculty.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, preparing materials, and drafting agendas.
• Draft, review, and distribute internal and external communications.
• Collect, organize, and analyze data to prepare reports, presentations, contracts, and proposals.
• Create and maintain accurate files, records, and databases.
• Monitor budgets, process financial transactions, track expenditures, assist with revisions, and prepare projections.
• Manage office supplies and equipment needs, including ordering and coordinating maintenance.
• Support special events by reserving spaces, preparing itineraries and materials, coordinating with vendors, and serving as a primary contact.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• May perform confidential administrative tasks and serve in proxy roles as authorized.
• May coordinate the work of other support staff to promote efficient office operations.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Prior administrative experience in a professional setting; higher education experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) required.
• Experience with University financial or business systems (such as SIMBA) preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Additional Details

• Schedule: Up to 24 hours per week.
• Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
• Application Review: Begins immediately and will continue until the vacancy is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

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. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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