Program Specialist - Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement

The Pennsylvania State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement. The role focuses on coordinating operations, communications, and evaluation to ensure accessible, compliant, and impactful programs.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, experience with budgeting, and the ability to collaborate with academic, healthcare, and community partners.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Coordinate on- and off-site program logistics, including meetings, registrations, materials, and campus visits.
• Serve as day-of-event contact for campus and community programs and manage budgets and documentation.
• Develop communication systems to support participant engagement and progression.
• Prepare program emails, itineraries, materials, marketing content, and presentations.
• Support development, delivery, evaluation and improvement of programs using feedback and data.
• Maintain records, manage vendor communications, and ensure compliance with policies.

Skills

Program coordination

Event management

Communication

Budget tracking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Program Coordinator

The Penn State College of Medicine Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement seeks a highly organized and collaborative Program Coordinator to support educational pathway and workforce development programs. This position will coordinate program operations, logistics, communications, participant engagement, budget tracking, data collection, evaluation, and continuous improvement activities. The Program Coordinator will work with internal stakeholders, academic and community partners, speakers, volunteers, participants, and program graduates to ensure programs are well organized, accessible, compliant with University and campus policies and procedures, and aligned with office and institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Program Coordination and Logistics: Coordinate on- and off-site program logistics, including reserving meeting space, managing registrations, preparing materials and supplies, arranging campus visits, supporting event set-up and close-out, and serving as a day-of-event contact for campus and community programs. Track expenses, monitor budgets, maintain program documentation, compile reports, and help ensure effective implementation.

Communication and Outreach: Serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams, external partners, speakers, presenters, volunteers, applicants, participants, and program graduates. Develop communication systems that support participant engagement and progression. Prepare program-related emails, phone communications, agendas, itineraries, printed materials, marketing content, exhibit booth materials, and presentations. Implement outreach strategies and create informational resources to promote programs and generate interest.

Program Development, Delivery, and Assessment: Support the development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of educational pathway and workforce development programs. Research and benchmark best practices, recommend program enhancements, participate in and lead meetings with internal and external stakeholders, and use participant feedback, program data, and evaluation findings to assess effectiveness and impact.

Administration and Compliance: Maintain participant, partner, volunteer, and stakeholder records; manage contact information; communicate with vendors; order program supplies and printed materials; and complete administrative duties as assigned. Help ensure program activities follow University and campus policies and procedures.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal units, academic partners, central offices, community partners, volunteers, speakers, program graduates, and other collaborators. Support student-centered pathway initiatives, including networking events, mentorship experiences, alumni engagement, and related activities.

Special Projects: Support Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement programs and special events as assigned, including logistics and coordination for visiting scholars, guest presenters, and other special events.

Qualifications

Experience coordinating programs, events, educational initiatives, community engagement activities, or workforce development efforts is preferred.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; attention to detail; the ability to manage multiple priorities; and proficiency using Microsoft Office and related technology tools. Experience working with academic, healthcare, community-based, or student-focused programs is beneficial.

This is an in-person position at the Penn State College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.Required Certifications:None

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. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.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 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.

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.