Program Coordination Intern

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State Conferences and Institutes in Pennsylvania is offering a Program Coordination Intern position to help plan and deliver non-credit educational programs, camps, workshops, and conferences for Fall 2026.

The internship involves on-site tasks such as registrations, poster sessions, exhibits, receptions, meals, and activities, working closely with staff and partners to ensure smooth program execution.

Qualifications

• Interest in event, meeting, recreation, or program management.
• Some planning knowledge or experience is beneficial but not required.
• Strong communication, organization, research and problem‑solving skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with registrations, poster sessions, exhibits, receptions, lunches, activities and dinners.
• Attend meetings with staff and program partners and help with various tasks.
• Learn how a successful program is planned and executed by working with experienced staff.

Skills

communication

organization

research

problem solving

teamwork

technology

leadership

professionalism

career development

equity & inclusion

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State Conferences and Institutes (C&I) seeks a Program Coordination Intern to help with the logistical planning of non-credit educational programs, such as camps, workshops, and conferences for Fall of 2026. The Program Coordination Intern will work closely with C&I staff to help develop and deliver educational programs to a variety of audiences including adults and youth. The intern will assist with various on‑site aspects of summer programs such as registrations, poster sessions, exhibits, receptions, lunches, activities, and dinners. The intern will attend meetings with our staff and program partners and lead or assist with various tasks and projects to learn what happens behind the scenes to make a program successful. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of experienced program planning professionals in an energetic and inclusive environment and develop rich knowledge and skills that are highly applicable in many career paths! A successful candidate for this position should be interested in event, meeting, recreation, or program management. Some planning knowledge and experience would be beneficial but is not required. The ability to communicate routinely, organize information, research and explore resources, and quickly identify solutions to problems are critical to success. C&I takes pride in providing a positive, supportive, team‑oriented, and flexible work culture, in which employees have a voice and are valued.

This internship typically runs 10–12 weeks, depending on the candidate’s availability and C&I’s operational needs. Fall internships typically run from September through mid‑December. Start and end dates may be flexible to accommodate academic or personal schedules. At C&I, we value experiential learning and strive to support both academic commitments and personal development when determining internship timelines. Hours vary based on work volume but are estimated to be 20‑35 per week. Some weekend and evening work is required during programs, which will be scheduled in advance. This is a paid internship at $15/hour. As part of this experience, students will develop NACE competences, including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, technology, leadership, professionalism, career and self‑development, and equity & inclusion.

Students will enroll in a free, non-credit, 8‑week Canvas mini‑course designed to support reflection and growth. To be considered for this position, applicants must apply online and submit a resume and cover letter stating your interest.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

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. Penn State 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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