Student Affairs Generalist

Penn State University; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in Hershey, PA, seeks a Student Affairs Generalist to lead engagement and wellness programming for MD and PA students. The role focuses 70% on events and 30% on supporting the College’s marketing and social media efforts.

The position requires a Master’s degree in higher education administration (or related field) and a background in student affairs with strong leadership and collaboration skills. Some evenings and weekends are expected.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events for diverse groups.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute engagement events and activities for MD and PA programs.
• Develop an annual calendar of engagement events with student leaders and faculty.
• Manage event logistics including venue, vendors, budgeting, and day-of execution.
• Evaluate engagement programming and adjust based on feedback and data.
• Design wellness programming supporting mental, physical, and social well-being.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Master's degree in higher education administration

Tools

Social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Student Affairs Generalist leads the design, planning, and execution of engagement and wellness programming for all Penn State College of Medicine students in Hershey, PA including MD and Physician Assistant (PA). This role builds community across the College's full student population, champions student wellness as a strategic priority, and provides oversight, guidance, and administrative support to the College's student societies and organizations, including the George T. Harrell Societies, the COM Wellness Committee. The Generalist serves as a central point of connection between students, student leaders, and College administration, ensuring that engagement and wellness programming reflects the needs and interests of a diverse, multi-program student body. This position is allocated approximately 70% to supporting student engagement and wellness/society events and 30% to supporting the College's marketing and communications team on social media strategy and student-facing digital engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Student Engagement Events & Programming Plan, coordinate, and execute engagement events and activities for MD and PA programs across the academic year, ensuring programming is relevant and accessible to all student populations

Develop and implement an annual calendar of engagement events in collaboration with student leaders, faculty, and Student Affairs staff

Manage event logistics, including venue/room reservations, vendor coordination, budgeting, and day‑of execution

Evaluate the effectiveness and reach of engagement programming and adjust future programming based on student feedback and participation data

Student Wellness Design and implement wellness-focused programming and initiatives that support students' mental, physical, and social well‑being throughout their training

Partner with campus wellness resources, counseling services, and student affairs leadership to align programming with broader institutional wellness strategy

Identify emerging wellness needs across student populations and proactively develop responsive programming

Oversee the College of Medicine Student Emergency Fund applications and distribution

Track individual student wellness needs for follow‑up, and collaborate with support resources (Office of Professional Mental Health, Disability, Cognitive Skills, Social Work) as needed

Oversight of Student Societies & Organizations Provide administrative oversight, guidance, and logistical support to the George T. Harrell Societies (Bond, Davis, Mortel, Vastyan, and Waldhausen Societies).

Serve as the College's primary liaison to society and organization student leaders, supporting their planning, leadership transitions, and events

Support society‑led initiatives that enhance academic learning, leadership development, wellness, career development, and peer–faculty connection

Track society membership, activities, and budgets, and ensure alignment with College policies and expectations

Marketing & Social Media Engagement (~30% of role) Partner with the College's Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute a social media strategy focused on student life, engagement, wellness and recruitment

Create and curate content (photos, video, stories, posts) capturing student events, society activities, and wellness programming for use across College social media channels

Coordinate content calendars with the Marketing team to ensure timely, consistent promotion of student engagement events and key College milestones (e.g., orientation, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day)

Monitor student-facing social media engagement and channels, responding to or escalating student inquiries as appropriate

Gather input from student societies and HPSA leadership to ensure their activities and achievements are reflected in College marketing and social media

Track and report basic engagement metrics (reach, participation, follower growth) for student‑focused social content in collaboration with Marketing

Administration & Collaboration Serve as liaison between students and College leadership (e.g., Associate/Assistant Deans of Student Affairs) on engagement‑and wellness‑related matters

Manage program budgets, track expenses, and process related financial transactions in accordance with University policy

Maintain accurate records of student engagement activities and prepare periodic reports for College leadership

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to plan and execute events for diverse groups

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple stakeholder groups

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in higher education or an academic medical/health sciences setting

Experience supporting student wellness programming

Experience advising or supporting student organizations or societies

Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, public health, or a related field

Experience with social media management and content creation (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) in an institutional or brand context

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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. 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 $59,580.00 - $86,400.00. 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. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines