Student Events and Planning Coordinator

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Harrisburg, Northern (Dauphin County, KY); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Events and Program Coordinator to create meaningful on-campus experiences and enhance student involvement. You will lead large-scale events, including Welcome Week, and supervise student employees.

The role advises the Programming and Activities Committee (PAC) and serves as the Fraternity and Sorority Life liaison, coordinating Greek life activities, budget processes, and campus partnerships while upholding university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Experience executing large-scale campus events with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead campus events and initiatives for the Office of Student Engagement.
• Chair Welcome Week Committee and oversee programming implementation.
• Advise PAC, supervise the PAC president and chairs, and assist with event logistics.
• Coordinate PAC funding, financial records, and disbursement of funds.
• Serve as Fraternity and Sorority Life liaison and advise Greek organizations.
• Develop publications and communications to highlight student engagement opportunities.

Skills

Event planning

Communication

Team collaboration

Budgeting

Administrative tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

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 them in the execution of their events each semester including management of its annual Student Initiated Fee allocation, coordination of event logistics, and supervision 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*** Master’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 acceptedRequired 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.