Academic Program Specialist, Teaching and Learning

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

1d

About The Position

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) is seeking a student-centered Academic Program Specialist to support and strengthen our Learning Resources programs. This role is central to building a supportive learning environment for undergraduate students through peer-guided learning programs, academic skill development, and close collaboration with faculty and college partners. The specialist serves as a key connector across the college, building strong relationships with students, instructors, and student-support offices to ensure coordinated, high-quality academic support.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Demonstrated ability to manage academic programs, coordinate operations, and support multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience supervising and training student staff or adult learners.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build productive relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Teaching experience and advanced understanding of effective teaching, learning strategies, and student support practices.
• Comfort working in a hands-on role that blends program coordination, instruction, relationship management, and operational responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations and continuous improvement of core academic support programs, including the IST Learning Assistant (LA) Program, Tutoring, Exam Accommodations and Make-up Testing, and student engagement initiatives.
• Recruit, train, support, and supervise student leaders and proctors to deliver effective, inclusive peer-based learning support.
• Teach IST 389: Leadership and Technology for Instruction, preparing Learning Assistants for their instructional roles.
• Collaborate closely with faculty, advising, student engagement, and other college partners to identify student needs and expand learning support opportunities.
• Develop assessment strategies, analyze program data, and use findings to enhance services and student outcomes.
• Maintain clear content for the IST Learning website and communicate program expectations to students and faculty.
• Build strong working relationships with instructors, including those who may need more guidance or structure around academic support practices.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees