Student Events and Planning Coordinator

The Pennsylvania State University; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg campus seeks a full-time Events and Program Coordinator to craft on-campus experiences that boost student involvement. You will plan large-scale events like Welcome Week, advise the PAC, and support Greek Life activities while coordinating logistics and budgets across campus.

You will work with Student Affairs, Financial Services, Procurement and Housing to ensure programs comply with policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience executing high-quality, large-scale events.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Student Engagement's campus events and initiatives.
• Plan and execute large-scale campus events.
• Chair Welcome Week Committee and oversee Welcome Week programming.
• Develop First 100 Days initiatives to support student engagement and transition.
• Supervise part-time student employees assisting with event planning and logistics.
• Advise the PAC by attending weekly meetings and mentoring the PAC president and chairs.
• Support planning and execution of approximately events each semester including Fall Fest and Spring Fling.
• Assist PAC with logistics including room reservations, scheduling, setup, and campus coordination.
• Manage PAC's annual Standing Allocation from the Student Initiated Fee and ensure proper disbursement.
• Supervise the PAC president and a paid student employee (~10 hrs/week).
• Provide guidance and performance support to the PAC executive board.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Team collaboration

Organization

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Events and Program Coordinator to create meaningful on-campus experiences to enhance student co-curricular involvement. This position plans and implements large-scale, signature events including Welcome Week and First 100 Days programming. The role also advises the Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) and supports the m in the execution of their events each semester including management o f its annual Student Initiated Fee allocation, coordinati on of event logistics, and supervis ion of the PAC president. In addition, the position serves as the Fraternity and Sorority Life liaison, supporting chapter recruitment and eligibility verification, facilitating Greek Council meetings, and ensuring our Greek organizations are in alignment with Penn State policies and values.This role may require frequent evening or weekend hours and is expected to engage with campus, University, and professional networks and committees.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Coordinator of Student Leadership Programs. Job responsibilities include collaboration with various offices across campus including Student Affairs, Student Organizations, Financial Services, Procurement, Office of Physical Plant, Housing and Food Services, and other campus partners involved in the execution of campus events.

Key Responsibilities

Campus Programming and Events

• Lead the Office of Student Engagement's campus events and initiatives, creating meaningful on-campus experiences that enhance students' co-curricular involvement.
• Plan and execute assigned Office of Student Engagement large-scale campus events.
• Chair the Welcome Week Committee and oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of Welcome Week programming.
• Develop and implement First 100 Days initiatives to support student engagement and student transition.
• Supervise and support part-time student employees assisting with event planning, implementation, and programming logistics.

Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) Advisor

• Advise the Student Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) by attending weekly meetings and providing regular supervision and mentorship to the PAC president and committee chairs.
• Support the planning and implementation of approximately events each semester, including major campus traditions such as Fall Fest and Spring Fling.
• Assist PAC with event logistics, including room reservations, scheduling, setup, and coordination with campus partners.
• Manage PAC's annual Standing Allocation from the Student Initiated Fee, including funding requests, financial records, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring funds are appropriately disbursed.
• Directly supervise the PAC president, a paid student employee within the Office of Student Engagement who typically works 10 hours per week.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance support to the PAC executive board in managing committee operations and student programming.

Campus Collaboration, Communication, and Administrative Support

• Maintain effective communication and collaborative relationships with campus partners to support planning and implementation of programs and initiatives.
• Develop and contribute to publications, promotional materials, presentations, and other communications that highlight student engagement opportunities and Office of Student Engagement programs.
• Provide presentations and program support for campus partners to promote engagement opportunities, and available resources.
• Demonstrate financial stewardship through budget oversight, expenditure monitoring, purchasing, and reconciliation of funds in accordance with university policies.
• Ensure programs, events, financial activities, comply with applicable University policies, procedures, risk-management requirements, and other institutional guidelines.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Liaison

• Serve as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Coordinator for all active Greek-letter organizations at Penn State Harrisburg.
• Support chapter recruitment efforts and verify eligibility of potential new members.
• Facilitate weekly Greek Council meetings.
• Provide educational programs on hazing prevention, Title IX, and the history of Greek Life at Penn State.
• Assist with planning and executing FSL events, including Greek Week and hazing prevention initiatives.
• Coordinate the establishment of new Greek organizations and ensure alignment with Penn State's values, policies, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience executing high-quality, large-scale events.
• The ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and workflows. Attention to detail and the ability to multitask will be key.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Commitment to student-centered service, accessibility, and continuous improvement.
• Basic technological skills and the willingness to learn new technology.
• Experience maintaining accurate records, managing documentation, and supporting operational processes.
• A proven track record of working effectively within a team environment.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Maste r's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A demonstrated history of leadership and knowledge of student development.
• Experience working in student activities executing high-quality student events.
• Evidence of creating practices that improve equity and inclusion.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree3+ 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 $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.

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